Good progress was made on the fire in the Battle River area today (PWF 054). The wildfire in the Notikewin area (PWF 052) remains out of control and due to the highly active fire behavior, firefighting efforts were limited this afternoon. Plans are in place to mobilize numerous firefighters, heavy equipment groups and aircraft on the fire early tomorrow morning when firefighting operations will be safest and most effective. More information on these and other active wildfires in the area can be found below.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
Although some snow still remains in sheltered areas, exposed dry grass in the Peace River region poses a significant wildfire risk. As a result, a Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Peace River Forest Area.
Existing fire permits remain valid (subject to suspension or cancellation). New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Please continue to monitor this site for any changes.
What is allowed:
Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.
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.
Many nearby municipalities have advisories, restrictions or firebans in place. Please check www.albertafirebans.ca before doing any burning.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
There have been 56 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area this fire season, and each of these wildfires has now been extinguished with the exception of six:
WILDFIRES OF NOTE:
Battle Complex (Notikewin and Battle River wildfires):
- PWF 052 is out of control at 2,507 hectares in size in the Notikewin Area (15-22-93-25-W5).
- This fire is located northwest of the town of Manning. Three air tanker groups dropped water and retardant on the fire all morning and were effective until this afternoon when fire behavior worsened and the air tankers were pulled off of the fire. Heavy equipment will work on building dozer guard overnight, and crews and aerial support (helicopters bucketing and air tankers) will commence their efforts first thing in the morning when they can be most effective and safe.
- The County of Northern Lights issued a public notice late last night. Residents in the area are asked to be prepared to leave on short notice and monitor the county website and Facebook page for more information regarding any future evacuations.
- PWF 054 is burning out of control at 75 hectares in size in the Battle River area (02-28-94-24-W5). Numerous firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment were effective at controlling this fire today and while it remains out of control, good progress was made today.
OTHER WILDFIRES IN THE AREA:
- PWF 043 has been turned over to the landowner at 0.50 hectares in size.
- PWF 050 is under control at 0.10 hectares in size west of Deadwood.
- PWF 051 has been extinguished in the Harmon Valley area at 0.10 hectares in size.
- PWF 055 has been turned over to the landowner at 0.01 hectares in size in the Hotchkiss area.
- PWF 056 has been turned over to the landowner at 0.10 hectares in size in the Reno area.
For your safety and the safety of the numerous firefighters working to contain this wildfire, please stay out of the area if you do not need to be there.
All of the wildfires that have been discovered this year so far have been human caused. Please remember to get a permit before you burn, follow the conditions on your permit, burn safely and ensure you recreate safely by completely extinguishing all campfires and keeping your OHV clean. More information on that can be found below.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED
The 2019 Fire Season started on March 1, 2019. As of that date, fire permits are required for all burning, with the exception of heating or warming fires, within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
Call the Peace River Forest Area office at 780-624-6190 to find out how to obtain your FREE fire permit and to learn more.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT WILDFIRES
Be sure to extinguish your campfires
Soak it with water, stir it up and soak it again. The ashes should be cool to the touch.
Check your OHV for debris
Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires and this is especially likely in dry grass conditions. Check frequently to ensure hot spots such as your exhaust, muffler, under the seat, wheel wells, engine and manifold on your OHV are free of debris, and ensure that your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly. FIRESMART
You can protect your home from wildfire
Protecting your home from wildfire starts with simple actions. Whether you are doing regular yard maintenance or making large scale changes during renovations or landscaping, you can make choices that will help protect your home from wildfire.
Learn more at firesmartcanada.ca.
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)