Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - May 30, 2017

Posted on Tue, May 30, 2017

GFX-HSB-WildfireDangerUpdate-VeryHigh.jpg

The wildfire hazard continues to climb in the boreal forest and the average wildfire hazard in the Peace River Forest Area is now VERY HIGH with some areas of EXTREME hazard on the east side of the Peace River.  

On the east side of the river, crossover conditions are expected tomorrow with temperatures forecasted to reach 29 degrees and relative humidy levels down to 25%.  The winds are expected to blow 20 km/hr and gusting up to 35 km/hr from the southeast.  
 
The west side is expected to be slightly cooler with higher humidities and lighter winds. There is some potential for some light, scattered showers and thundershowers to pass through the area overnight and into the morning increasing the potential for lightning fires over the coming days.
 
Lightning season has begun and the potential for multiple fires starting in one day has increased.  It is very important to get your fire permits before you burn and that all wildfires are reported to 310-FIRE immediately.

 

Fire Advisory Remains in Effect 

fire_advisory-resized-600.jpg
A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Peace River Forest Area due to the hot and dry conditions in the region and the potential for an increased fire hazard.
 
Under this advisory:
 
  • Take extra precautions with any outdoor burning
  • Permits are in effect, however permit holders are reminded to adhere to the conditions of their permits.
  • Should the hazard continue to increase, permit restrictions may be implemented. New requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • 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.

 

For more information on advisories, restrictions, fire bans and forest closures within Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

 

Wildfire Update

There have been 28 wildfires in the Peace River Forest area this fire season, all of which have been extinguished with the exception of some new wildfires that were discovered this afternoon.

There were five new fires discovered northwest of Manning today.  Four have been extinguished and one remains out of control.  

PWF 024 remains out of control at 30 hectares in size and is located approximately 36 miles west of Manning.  Crews, heavy equipment and aircraft are actively working to get it under control.    

With the high temperatures and low relative humidities that have been forecasted for tomorrow, the forest fuels will be dry and burning conditions are expected to be very condusive to intense fire behavior.  Caution is advised.   

Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.  

 

Help prevent wildfires

A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's been completely extinguished before you leave your site. make sure your campfire is out.

Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire. ride debris free.

 

Before you burn it, get your permit

As of March 1st, all burning activities in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, now require a fire permit. Fire permits are free and available at your local Agriculture and Forestry office.  You can call 780-624-6190 for more information or to obtain your free fire permit.

 

Changes to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act 

The Alberta government is committed to protecting Albertans and their communities from the threat of wildfire.  Far too many wildfires are caused by human-activity and are 100 per cent preventable. Approximately 70 per cent of wildfires over the last six years have resulted from human activity.  In fall of last year, we passed legislation to enhance wildfire prevention, to deter risky behaviour and give wildland firefighters more tools to keep Albertans and their communities safe.
 
These regulation changes help support the legislation by including:
  • new penalties for violations such as abandoning campfires or burning during fire bans,
  • and improving government’s ability to restrict higher risk activities, like fireworks and incendiary targets.

Penalties will be determined by a statutory decision-maker on a case-by-case basis.

Please visit our website for more information.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

App_promo.jpg
 

 

Or contact:

Crystal Burrows 

Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)