Peace River Area Update

Image of the Peace River valley taken from one of many cards donated by Sharon Krushel of Dona Bona Cards in order to thank our firefighters.

Autumn is once again upon us, creating large areas of dead and drying grasses.  Grass fires spread quickly and are especially dangerous.  Please exercise caution when burning and call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.    

Wildfire Hazard

Due to the extremely strong winds that have been forecasted in the area, the wildfire hazard level for the Peace River Wildfire Management Area is now VERY HIGH.  Winds are expected to gust up to 60-80 km/hr over the next couple of days.  Please be very cautious this weekend and refrain from burning until the winds calm.

Local Wildfires

There have been 182 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area so far this fire season, none of which are currently out of control. 

• The wildfire burning in the Hotchkiss area, PWF 052 is now extinguished at 1202 hectares.
• PWF 182 started yesterday and has been turned over to the landowner at 0.01 hectares.

PBZ002

• The wildfire burning in the Fontas area PBZ002, started in British Columbia and crossed over the Alberta/British Columbia border in early July. The portion that is burnt within Alberta is approximately 3000 hectares in size.
  

 
NOTIKEWIN COMPLEX

• 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 and continues to be monitored. 

• 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 remains under control and continues to be monitored.

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

Fire Permits

STRONG WINDS HAVE BEEN FORECASTED FOR THE AREA TONIGHT AND TOMORROW, SO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE AN ACTIVE PERMIT ARE ASKED TO REFRAIN FROM BURNING UNTIL THE WINDS SUBSIDE.

Fire permits are being issued at this time but please check your fire permit to ensure you are burning safely and within your permit conditions. When winds are over 12 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.

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. 

For more Information contact: