Wildfire Update

There have been 33 wildfires in the Peace River Forest area this fire season, all of which have been extinguished with the exception of one.

PWF 024 is now under control at 97.2 hectares in size and is located approximately 36 miles west of Manning. Good progress was made today and the crews and aircraft will continue to work towards getting it under control again tomorrow.

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 expected to continue to climb tomorrow as the forecasted temperatures increase slightly to the low to mid twenties and relative humidities decrease to 25% tomorrow afternoon. Light, scattered showers and thundershowers have been forecasted for the area, bringing with them a low to moderate chance of lightning. Winds are expected to blow from the south at 10 km/hr.

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 Advisory In Effect

Hot, dry conditions are forecast to continue through the week and have resulted in an increased in the fire danger level.

Under this advisory:

• Take extra precautions with any outdoor burning

the conditions of their permits.

• Should the hazard continue to increase, permit restrictions may be implemented. This may include not issuing new permits and/or cancelling existing permits.

• Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

For more information on advisories, restrictions, fire bans and forest closures within Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

Help prevent wildfires

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

Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you
Download our app, available for Apple and Android devices.
You can also find us on Facebook,Twitter, Youtube
or visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca

Or contact:

Crystal Burrows

Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)

Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - June 5, 2017