Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - May 4, 2017

Posted on Thu, May 04, 2017

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Strong Winds Forecasted 

Strong winds are forecasted over the next 24 hours, and are expected to especially strong tomorrow afternoon, gusting up to 40 km/hr from the southeast.  This means that there should be no burning for ALL fire permits that have been issued as the forecasted winds exceed the conditions on your permit.  Please co-operate and refrain from burning until the cold front has passed through and the winds weaken.  
 
Due to the dry grasses and forest fuels and the strong winds in the forecast, any new wildfire starts may spread very quickly.  Crossover conditions may occur tomorrow as a cold front moves through the Peace area tonight and intensifies throughout the day, with temperatures in the mid to high twenties. 
 
Please exercise caution when working and recreating in the forest and report any smoke or wildfires to 310-FIRE IMMEDIATELY.
 

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.  

Agricultural burning

Crop burning should be used as a final management option for unharvested crops. Consider bailing, removing the crops from field and later burning them away from the field. 

Research has shown that burning crop residues has many negative effects. Burning reduces soil organic matter, carbon and nitrogen and can have negative effects on soil erosion, permeability and air quality. Burning disrupts the balance of microorganisms in the soil reducing the biological activity and overall soil health. Read more at agric.gov.ab.ca

Should you decide to burn your crop off, you need a fire permit if you are within the Forest Protection Area.  Call 780-624-6190 for more information on how 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 an
d 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.

The regulations also include specific direction for Industry including:
  • Consistent flare site precautions - all flare pits and flare stacks to be cleared of debris for 30 metres.
  • Aligned debris disposal timelines for all industries to 12 months.
  • The introduction of new administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per offence per day, for failing to comply with the Act and regulations. In addition, the updated Act provides the authority to pursue the recovery of any economic gain resulting from a person’s actions.
  • Industrial users who knowingly contravene the Act and start a wildfire can be fined up to $1 million.

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


The enhanced legislation and regulations are supported by recommendations from the 2011 Flat Top Complex Wildfire Review that followed the Slave Lake wildfires, and learnings from the previous two wildfire seasons and an online survey.

Please visit our website for more information.

Want to know more about how to become FireSmart? 

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Visit our website for more information 

on how you can make your home more FireSmart. 

Careers and Contractors

Online Wildfire Orientation for all operators will continue to be distributed throu

gh contract holders.  If you require the link for online access, please email your request to peaceriver.logistics@gov.ab.ca.

 

To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473). 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Or contact:

Crystal Burrows 

Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)