Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - May 17, 2019 - Battle Complex Active Fire

Posted on Thu, May 16, 2019

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The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Peace River Forest Area.

 

FIRE BAN and QUAD RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

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Due to extreme wildfire danger from dry grass and weather indicators, a Fire Ban and Quad Restriction is now in effect for the Peace River Forest Area and most of northern Alberta.  Visit albertafirebans.ca for more information.

Existing fire permits are suspended until further notice. 

Prohibited

  • All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
  • Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
  • Fireworks and exploding targets.
  • The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands. 

Allowed

  • Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
  • Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
  • OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands. 

The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. 

To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV Restriction visit www.albertafirebans.ca

 

 

Many nearby municipalities have advisories, restrictions or firebans in place.  Please check www.albertafirebans.ca for more information.

 

WILDFIRE UPDATE

There have been 60 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area this fire season, and each of these wildfires has now been extinguished with the exception of those below:

WILDFIRES OF NOTE:

Battle Complex (Notikewin and Battle River wildfires):

The desirable cooler temperatures and higher humidity that helps suppress wildfires has moved on.  It was warm, dry and windy early today, with poor overnight recovery.  Afternoon winds have pushed the fire beyond it's guard on the north side.  Smoke is visible from a distance.

  • PWF 052 is out of control at approximately 2,471 hectares in size in the Notikewin Area. 
    • This fire is located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the town of Manning.  Strong and gusty winds accelerated fire behavior this afternoon, causing the fire to jump the guard on the north side.  The fire is burning in a northwest direction.  Crews, airtankers and helicopters with buckets continue to work as it is safe to do so. Gusty winds continue to challenge firefighting efforts.  Another update will be provided later this evening.
  • PWF 054 remains being held at 74 hectares in size in the Battle River area.  Smoke is visible from burning trees within the fire perimeter.   This fire is now 100% contained by dozer guard. Crews are working with with pumps and hoses, moving inward from the perimeter to make sure all hotspots are extinguished.  

Today we have 209 firefighters, five airtankers and two bird dogs, 10 helicopters, one dozer unit, various pieces of heavy equipment, and other support personnel working on the Battle Complex.

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 058 has been turned over to the landowner at 0.01 hectares in size.
  • PWF 060 is being held at 0.1 hectares in size.  This fire is along a powerline.

For your safety and the safety of the numerous firefighters working to contain these wildfires, 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 SUSPENDED

 Fire permits have been suspended, effective 1800 hours, May 16.  

Call the Peace River Forest Area office at 780-624-6190 if you have any questions about fire permits.

 

DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT WILDFIRES

Please respect the fire ban and quad restriction currently in effect.  

   

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

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Or contact:

Leslie Lozinski 

Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 623-9758

leslie.lozinski@gov.ab.ca