Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - August 10, 2017

Posted on Thu, Aug 10, 2017

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-high.jpg

fire_advisory-resized-600.jpg

A fire advisory has been issued for the Peace River Forest Area, effective August 11, 2017 at 8 am.  The wildfire hazard level is now VERY HIGH.  Please continue to exercise caution and call 310-FIRE (3473) to report wildfires.  You can download our free app to keep informed on the current wildfire situation.

 

Wildfire Update

There have been 91 wildfires in the Peace River Forest area this fire season, all but one of which have been extinguished. 

PWF 068 remains under control at 202 hectares in size north of Bison Lake. 

For information on wildfires around the province, download our free Alberta Wildfire app, subscribe to our updates or visit our website at www.wildfire.alberta.ca.

 

Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

 

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard is now VERY HIGH.  Temperatures are expected to be in the low thirties tomorrow with a small chance of rain showers passing through over the next 24 hours.  Winds are expected to blow in from the southeast at 15-20 km/hr.

Crews, aircraft and heavy equipment have been placed strategically throughout the Peace River Forest Area in order to be as close as possible to any new wildfire starts.  

Please supervise all fires and completely extinguish them before leaving the site and as always, help us get to wildfires quickly by calling 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Peace River Forest Area portion of the Forest Protection Area (effective August 11, 2017 at 8 am) due to current and forecasted weather.
 
  • No new permits will be issued but existing permits are still valid.
  • Safe campfires are still allowed.
 
Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use. Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
 
The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until significant precipitation is received.
 
For information on advisories, restrictions, fire bans and forest closures within Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

 

Smoke Concerns

Smoke from the wildfires in British Columbia is expected to continue to affect the Peace River Forest Area.  

When an air quality advisory is in effect, all individuals living in or travelling within the affected area are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with poor air quality conditions, and take precautions to reduce exposure and risk. 

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated regularly on the Alberta Environment and Parks Website at www.airquality.alberta.ca . For a smoke forecast map visit the BlueSky Canada website.  Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333.

 

Help prevent wildfires

soakitstiritsoakit1.jpg

A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's been completely extinguished before you leave your site. Please make sure your campfire is out.

Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire. ride debris free.

 

Before you burn it, get your permit

As of March 1st, all burning activities in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, now require a fire permit. Fire permits are free and available at your local Agriculture and Forestry office.  You can call 780-624-6190 for more information or to obtain your free fire permit.

 

Changes to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act 

In fall of last year, we passed legislation to enhance wildfire prevention, to deter risky behaviour and give wildland firefighters more tools to keep Albertans and their communities safe.
 
These regulation changes help support the legislation by including:
  • new penalties for violations such as abandoning campfires or burning during fire bans,
  • and improving government’s ability to restrict higher risk activities, like fireworks and incendiary targets.

Penalties will be determined by a statutory decision-maker on a case-by-case basis.

Please visit our website for more information.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

App_promo.jpg
 

 

Or contact:

Crystal Burrows 

Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)