PWF 052 - May 15
The fire in the Battle River area (PWF 054) is being held. While the wildfire in the Notikewin area (PWF 052) remains out of control, this fire is now 80% surrounded by dozer guard and firefighting efforts were very effective at reducing the fire activity and spread again today. An unburned island of green trees flared up this afternoon, causing some smoke to be visible from town. 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 59 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):
The weather was very co-operative today for firefighting efforts. Temperatures stayed relatively cool and the winds were light. Tomorrow's forecast shows a high of 14 degrees, 20% humidity, and winds SE 20-25 km/hr gusting to 40 km/hr. There is no precipitation in the forecast for the foreseeable future.
- 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. This fire is now 80% contained by dozer guard. An unburned island of green trees flared up this afternoon, causing some smoke to be visible from town. An airtanker dropped one load of retardant to help strengthen the line and prevent any potential embers from causing spot fires outside of the perimeter. Ground crews and heavy equipment continued working to secure the perimeter of the fire area.
- PWF 054 remains being held at 74 hectares in size in the Battle River area. The fire was very quiet today with no flare ups. This fire is now 100% contained by dozer guard and crews have worked around about 30% of the fire with pump and hose, working inward from the perimeter to make sure all hotspots are extinguished.
Tomorrow we will have 219 firefighters, five airtankers and two bird dogs, 10 helicopters, 40 pieces of heavy equipment, and other support personnel working on the Battle Complex.
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 058 has been turned over to the landowner at 0.01 hectares in size.
- PWF 059 is being held at 0.01 hectares in size in the St Isidore 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
May long weekend is coming up and while it can be fun to enjoy nature by camping, riding OHVs or otherwise recreating, it is important to remember that forest vegetation remains dry and to recreate safely.
Be sure to extinguish your campfires
Soak your campfire with water, stir it up and soak it again. The ashes should be cool to the touch before you leave your site.
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)