Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - June 24, 2017 (pm)

Posted on Sat, Jun 24, 2017

 

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-high.jpg
wind_blown_fire.jpg

Strong winds have been forecasted and the finer fuels such as grasses, small twigs and dry leaves on the forest floor are dry and will ignite and carry fire easily in these conditions.  This means a small fire could grow very quickly.  Please help by calling 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

  

Wildfire Update

There have been 42 wildfires in the Peace River Forest area this fire season all but three of which have been extinguished.  

PWF 040 is under control at 10.70 hectares in the Seal Lake area.

PWF 041 is under control at 1.00 hectares in the Keg River area.

PWF 042 is under control at 0.20 hectares in the Bison Lake area.

Crews and aircraft will continue to work on getting these fires extinguished over the weekend.

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

Due to the continued warming trend and strong winds forecasted for the tomororw, the wildfire hazard has increased to high.  Temperatures are expected to increase to the high twenties with winds exceeding 25 km/hr and gusting up to 45 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.  

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

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. 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)