PWF 034 is currently burning out of control northwest of the Hamburg area. There have been 2 airtanker groups, 4 firefighting crews, and 5 helicopters working on this fire since it was discovered this afternoon. There will be 12 dozers, 5 water trucks, 3 excavators and 5 nodwells working on the fire through the night.
WILDFIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
- Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings) or random camping areas
- Charcoal briquettes
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Download the new Alberta fire ban app, available for Android and Apple devices, to make planning your next outdoor adventure a breeze!
Features include:
- Push notification settings for specific geographic areas.
- Three distinct categories - fire bans, restrictions and advisories.
- Up-to-date data sourced directly from provincial fire authorities.
- Provides data from last time opened even without data or WiFi.
WILDFIRE UPDATE (current as of 8 pm on May 22)
The wildfire danger level is now EXTREME in the Peace River Forest Area. The dry grasses and forest vegetation pose an especially high hazard in windy conditions. Please exercise extreme caution.
Crossover conditions are expected to continue with the temperature expected to reach 30 degrees Celcius and relative humidity expected to drop to 20% tomorrow. The winds are expected to blow from the southeast at 15-20 km/hr. Check our wildfire weather forecast for more details.
There were 10 wildfires over the weekend, and all but one of which have been extinguished. PWF 31 is in the Paddle Prairie area and is now under control at 3.30 hectares in size.
One new fire was located northwest of the Hamburg area this afternoon. PWF 34 is currently out of control at 850 hectares in size. There have been 2 airtanker groups, 4 firefighting crews, and 5 helicopters working on this fire since it was discovered this afternoon. We will have 12 dozers, 5 water trucks, 3 excavators and 5 nodwells working on the fire through the night.
For more information on the location of wildfires in the province including status definitions, please visit our wildfire status map.
For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT 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 and please burn safely within the conditions on your permit.
Use campfires responsibly
- When in a campground or recreational area, always use the designated stove, ring or fire pit provided.
- Always build and maintain a campfire that is of reasonable size and can be easily extinguished with the tools and water that are available. Even a small campfire can become a wildfire.
- Always have a water source nearby. If one is not available, be sure to have a large container of water designated for keeping your campfire under control and extinguishing it.
- Never leave your campfire unattended.
- When you are done with your campfire, soak it, stir it, and soak it again until ashes are cool to the touch.
- New violation tickets have been introduced for a number of offenses such as unattended campfires. Tickets will be issued for easily observable, straightforward non-compliance. Ticket amounts range from $172 to $500 per violation and could result in jail time.
REMEMBER: 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.
BERTIE BEAVER'S 60th BIRTHDAY
Bertie Beaver is the beloved mascot of the Forestry Division originally gifted to the Government of Alberta in 1958 by Walt Disney. 2018 marks his 60th birthday with the Forestry Division.
Thank you for joining us at Bertie's birthday celebration at the Fairview Provincial Building today!
We will be continuing the celebration at the Normand Boucher Arboretum this Friday from 1:30 until 3:00. Please join us for some free birthday cake and birthday fun!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you
- Download our apps, 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)