WILDFIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
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 5 pm on May 23)
The wildfire danger level remains 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 nearly 30 degrees Celcius and relative humidity expected to be between to 20-25% tomorrow. Thunderstorms have been forecasted for the area tomorrow, so the potential for numerous new lightning caused fires will be a concern over the next few days. Check our wildfire weather forecast for more details.
There are currently three active wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area.
- PWF 31 is in the Paddle Prairie area and is now under control at 3.30 hectares in size.
- PWF 34 is located west of the Hamburg area and remains out of control at 964 hectares in size. Numerous crews, aircraft and heavy equipment will continue to work on gaining control over this fire in the coming days. Good progress has been made on the dozer guard and this work will continue this evening.
- PWF 35 was discovered early this morning in the Hotchkiss area and is being held at 0.50 hectares in size.
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 now all suspended and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.
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 yesterday!
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)