Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 13

Posted on Fri, May 13, 2022

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Spring is budding in the Peace River Forest Area. Green-up has begun, but it’s also the time of year when coniferous trees have extremely low moisture content, reaching maximum dryness. Trees are extremely flammable and fire can spread quickly, torching and crowning in trees.

If you are operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) use caution, clear your hot spots, and carry a collapsible bucket and shovel. Sparks from rocks hitting heavy machinery, dragging chains and welding operations are all high-risk activities.

Report Wildfires by calling 310-3473 if you spot smoke or fire in the forest.

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CURRENT WILDFIRES

There is currently one wildfire in the Peace Forest Area. PWF019 is an estimated 8.0 hectares and Being Held. There have been 19 fires this year in the Peace River Forest area. There have been 196 fires in the province this year to date, compared to 275 at this time last year.

Please use caution in areas of exposed dry grass. As dry grass burns fast, any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire, even when the temperatures are cool.

Remember to check www.albertafirebans.ca for wildfire advisories, bans or restrictions in your area or destination. If you are camping in a provincial or national park, check the rules and guidelines and be sure to follow them for your safety and the safety of other campers.

Adhere to the conditions of your burn permit, never burn in windy conditions and always extinguish your campfire. If you see smoke or flame, call 310-3473.


BE FIRE SMART THIS SPRING

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Managing the vegetation around your property can reduce the risk of wildfire. Thinning and pruning, removing trees like spruce and juniper and cleaning around your property are all FireSmart techniques. FireSmart uses preventative measures to reduce the wildfire threat to values at risk while balancing the ecological benefits of wildfire. 

lLearn more about the FireSmart partnership between government, industry and Albertans at https://wildfire.alberta.ca/firesmart/


NEW FIRE PERMIT PORTAL LAUNCHED

Fire Permit Online

You can now request your fire permit online through a new online portal. During wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, except for campfires.

Fire permits are free and help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit before burning, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

To request a fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Peace River forest office by calling 780-624-6190.


WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Contact information:

Peace Wildfire Information Officer

Michelle Huley

Phone: (780) 618-2081

michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca

 

 

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