Wildfires could spread rapidly in these strong winds.  Even controlled fires could get out of control quickly.  Please follow the conditions of your fire permit and be careful with your campfires this weekend.

Wildfire Update

There have been 37 wildfires in the Peace River Forest area this fire season.  

PWF 024 remains 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.  

PWF 035 and PWF 036 are both located in the Keg River area and are being held at 0.25 hectares in size.  

PWF 037 is located in the McLennan area and is being held at 0.01 hectares in size. 

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 warm temperatures and strong, gusty winds, the wildfire hazard for tonight remains EXTREME.

The hazard is expected to drop to VERY HIGH tomorrow (Saturday) as the temperatures are expected to drop to the high teens and the relative humidity levels are expected to climb up to 30-35%.  Winds are expected to be lighter tomorrow at 15 km/hr from a northwest/westerly direction.  No precipitation is expected for the area for the overnight period, but showers may pass through tomorrow afternoon and/or evening.  

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 Advisory In Effect

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

Under this advisory:

• Take extreme precautions with any outdoor burning
• Permits are in effect, however permit holders are reminded to adhere to 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.

• 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