Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - July 3 (pm)

Posted on Mon, Jul 03, 2017

 

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Strong winds have been forecasted again for tomorrow.  Please stay safe and as always, call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

 

Wildfire Update

There have been 53 wildfires in the Peace River Forest area this fire season, all but two of which have been extinguished.  PWF 45 has been turned over to the landowner.  PWF 052 is being held at 0.20 hectares in size in the Chinchaga area.

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 average wildfire hazard for tomorrow is HIGH.  Please note that the east side of the Peace river will have higher hazard than the west. (see our fire danger forecast map for more details)   Winds are expected to come from the west at 30km/hr, gusting up to 50km/hr throughout the day tomorrow (Tuesday).  Please use caution, as fires could spread very quickly and unexpectedly in these winds.  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.

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.  

Lightning season has begun and the potential for multiple fires starting in one day has increased.  It is very important to get your fire permits before you burn and that all wildfires are reported to 310-FIRE immediately.

 

Fire Restrictions

There are currently no restrictions on burning within the Peace River Forest Area.
 
For information on advisories, restrictions, fire bans and forest closures within Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

 

Help prevent wildfires

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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. 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

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Or contact:

Crystal Burrows 

Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)