Peace River Area Update

Strong wind keeps the wildfire hazard level for the Peace River Wildfire Management Area at HIGH. 

In HIGH wildfire hazard conditions a fire can ignite easily and spread very quickly, especially under windy conditions.  Old fire sites can burn silently underground and pop up again as a wildfire later in dry, windy conditions. Go back and check any burned areas. Make sure it's out. Soak the ashes until they are cool to the touch.

Fire Permits

Fire permits are needed for any burning, except campfires. Before burning, check your fire permit to ensure you are burning safely and within your permit conditions. When winds are over 20 km/hr, burning is not permitted. Wind can pick up small sparks and carry them several kilometers away, potentially starting wildfires in dry areas.

Fire permits are free and can be obtained by phoning the Peace River Wildfire Management Office at 780-624-6190.

Local Wildfires

There has been one new wildfire in the last 24 hours. It was started by lightning and burned undetected until strong winds picked up the smoke. This can happen in your backyard as well. Check any old burn piles to make sure they are fully extinguished.

Since April 1, there have been 175 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area so far this fire season. Four wildfires are under control and firefighters have put out 171 wildfires so far.

• The wildfire burning in the Hotchkiss area, PWF 052 remains under control at 1202 hectares.
• The latest lightning wildfires, PWF 175, is under control at 0.10 hectares. it is located in the north west corner of the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement.

• PWF 129 is located in the Notikewin area (approximately 15 kms northwest of Sulphur lake). This fire is listed as under control at 419.50 hectares. 

• PWF 131 is located approximately 10 kms west of Sulphur Lake and 15 kms northwest of Stony Lake. This fire is 3,167 hectares in size and thanks to the efforts of our many firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, it is under control.

• Reclamation work has begun on both of the Sulphur Lake area fires.

Please visit our wildfire status map on our website or download the Alberta Wildfire App for more information on wildfires throughout the province.

Wildfire Prevention

Click the links below for more information on how you can prevent wildfires this long weekend.

• Check Alberta fire bans 
• Ensure that your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished 
• Check your ATV for dry debris that may be heating up on the hot parts of your machine. 

Don't rely on Mother Nature to put out your campfire. Even though we've had some rain, your campfire can still turn into a wildfire.

If you spot a wildfire, report it. Call 310-FIRE

For more Information contact: