PWF 052 - May 14
The fire in the Battle River area (PWF 054) is now being held. The wildfire in the Notikewin area (PWF 052) remains out of control but fire behavior was relatively quiet so firefighting efforts were very effective at reducing the fire activity and spread again today. 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 four:
WILDFIRES OF NOTE:
Battle Complex (Notikewin and Battle River wildfires):
Due to cooler temperatures, moderate humidity and lighter winds, firefighters were able to make good progress on both fires today.
- PWF 052 is out of control at 2,271 hectares in size in the Notikewin Area.
- This fire is located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the town of Manning. Though this fire remains out of control, today's firefighting efforts were successful. Heavy equipment, crews and helicopters have been working to control this fire since early this morning and due to the reduced intensity of the fire, their efforts have been effective at reducing the fire activity and spread. The fire has not grown significantly today and given the forecasted weather, the fire behavior is expected to be relatively subdued again tomorrow.
- PWF 054 is now being held at 74 hectares in size in the Battle River area. Crews made good progress on this fire again today, working with pumps and hoses along the perimeter and supported by helicopters with buckets. There is now dozer guard around 50% of the fire (on the east side). Given the forecasted conditions, this fire is not expected to spread past its current boundaries.
- Battle Complex Map
For updates on efforts being taken by municipal fire fighters to provide structural protection and emergency preparedness information, please visit the County of Northern Lights website.
OTHER WILDFIRES IN THE AREA:
- PWF 043 has been turned over to the landowner at 0.50 hectares in size.
- PWF 047 has been turned over to the landowner at 0.01 hectares in size.
- PWF 050 has been extinguished at 0.10 hectares in size west of Deadwood.
- PWF 055 has been extinguished at 0.01 hectares in size in the Hotchkiss area.
- PWF 056 has been extinguished 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.
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)