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Firefighters have been kept busy burning in fireguard on two prescribed fires in the area.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
Due to the dry grasses and strong winds in the forecast, the wildfire danger level is now HIGH in the Peace River Forest Area.
Please remember, safe burning practices are always in season. Get your fire permit before burning and burn safely within the conditions on your permit.
For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT SPRING WILDFIRES
Before you burn it, get a permit
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.
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.
Keep your OHV debris free
Grass, twigs, leaves and mud can build up in the hotspots, heat up, drop off and start a wildfire. Remember to clean your machine before, during and after your ride.
Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.
PRESCRIBED FIRE
What is prescribed fire?
Prescribed fires are the knowledgeable and controlled applications of fires on a specific land area to accomplish planned and well-defined resource management objectives. These fires are applied under select weather conditions and managed in such a way as to minimize the emission of smoke and maximize the benefits to the site.
Alberta Wildfire works with community partners and stakeholders to identify key areas for prescribed fire operations and work to achieve the shared objectives in a safe, efficient and mutually beneficial manner.
Prescribed fires are carefully selected by wildfire management staff. Fire has shaped Alberta’s forests for generations both through natural wildfire and traditional burning practices.
Local prescribed fires
Plans and preparations have been made to burn both the Hutton Creek II Prescribed Fire and the East Peace Prescribed Fire in the 2018 fire season. Crews have been working to build guard and prepare to successfully burn two areas along the Peace River within the next two weeks. These prescribed fires are both an expansion upon a previously successful prescribed burning program in the area.
The Hutton Creek II Prescribed Fire is approximately 590 hectares in size and is located approximately 15 kilometers to the east of Deadwood on the east side of the Peace River.
The East Peace River Prescribed Fire is approximately 840 hectares in size and is located approximately 12 miles southeast of Deadwood, and 20 miles north of the Town of Peace River on the east side of the Peace River.
The goal of both burns is to enhance ungulate winter range by reducing aspen encroachment and accumulated downed and dead fuels, thereby increasing browse availability and site quality. An added benefit is the additional training opportunity this program gives our firefighters, allowing them to better prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
Operations will only commence when forecasted weather, forest conditions and smoke management conditions permit and a safe operation that will meet the overall objectives of the prescribed fire can be ensured.
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)