Peace River Area Update

Reinforcements arrived from Quebec this afternoon as PWF 131 crossed over the guard and spread into some unburnt stands, creating a large column of smoke that is visible from miles away.  In the morning, these 45 firefighters will be joining our local 20-man unit crew on the fireline as they continue to work towards getting this fire under control.

Wildfire Hazard

While rain did pass through parts of the area today, many areas were missed.  The average wildfire hazard level for the Peace River Wildfire Management Area is now HIGH. Temperatures are expected to be in the low twenties tomorrow (Monday) with 20 km/hr winds. 

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue, resulting in an increased risk of lightning caused wildfires. Please report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Despite the recent rainfall, the surface vegetation and trees remain flammable. 

Wildfire Danger Notice

Campfires
Safe campfires are permitted in campgrounds and back country or random camping areas. 

Fire Permits
Fire permits are not suspended at this time, but may be in the future if the wildfire hazard continues to climb. Fire permits will be issued on a site-by-site basis and may be refused until conditions are more favorable.  

Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for the latest fire ban information across the province. 

Concerned About Smoke?

Anyone with health concerns regarding the smoke should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24/7 health advice from Alberta Health Link.

For a smoke forecast map, please visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada.

Local Wildfires

There have been 153 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area this fire season, all but 10 of which have been extinguished.  There were no new wildfires in the area today.

Active wildfires in the area current as of 7 pm on July 19 (changes have been italicized): 

• PWF 052 is under control at 1202.00 hectares in the Hotchkiss area.
• PWF 116 is under control at 5.40 hectares northeast of the Notikewin Provincial Park.
• PWF 130 is under control at 1.0 hectare in size in the Hawk Hills area.
• PWF 134 is under control at 0.5 hectares in size west of the Clearhills area.
• PWF 135 is under control at 6.0 hectares in size west of the Clearhills area.
• PWF 137 is under control at 3.40 hectares north of the Hines Creek area.
• PWF 151 is under control at 9.00 hectares in the Bison Lake area.

NOTIKEWIN COMPLEX

Please continue to respect the restrictions to access that have been put in place for your safety and the safety of our fire fighters.

• PWF 129
  • is under control at 419.50 hectares 
  • located in the Notikewin area (approximately 15 kms northwest of Sulphur lake).
  • A dozer guard has been completed around the entire perimeter of the fire.  Crews worked on seeking out hot areas and extinguishing them today and will continue tomorrow.  
• PWF 131
  • 3,006 hectares in size and remains out of control.
• • This fire is located approximately 10 kms west of Sulphur Lake and 15 kms northwest of Stony Lake. 
  • Firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters continued their work towards containing this wildfire today and will continue to do so tomorrow.  The fire behavior on this fire escalated today and the fire crossed the dozer guard and burned into some unburnt stands this afternoon.  The smoke has been visible from as far away as Manning.  Air tankers, crews heavy equipment and helicopters have been working to regain control.  Tomorrow morning, 42 firefighters from Quebec will be on the line helping our unit crew to control the trouble areas on the fire.
• *In order to ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters, access onto the Notikewin Tower Road, the Canfor Road, the DMI P2 200 and the Silver Creek Road along with both the Stony and Sulphur Lake recreational areas, will be limited to necessary personnel only until further notice.  Please do NOT go into the area for any reason without first calling 780-618-6215.*
• NOTIKEWIN COMPLEX MAP UPDATED JULY 12

PBZ002 (FONTAS FIRE):

• PBZ002
  • This wildfire started in British Columbia and has made its way over the Alberta/British Columbia border in the Fontas area.  
  • Approximately 2926 hectares of this fire are now burning within Alberta. 
  • The fire was very quiet again today as crews continued to patrol this fire today.  The fire received some rain overnight, helping to keep fire behavior calm.
    
• PBZ002 MAP UPDATED JULY 10

Provincial Wildfires

There are 89 wildfires currently burning in the province, 6 of which remain out of control as of 7 pm on July 19.  

The 2015 fire season has been busier than average for the province with 1,457 fires and 490,402.86 hectares burned thus far.  

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

Fire Permits

BEFORE YOU BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT

Albertans in the forested areas need to get a fire permit for any burning, excluding campfires.

• Fire permits are free and you can get more information or request a fire permit by calling our Peace River office at 780-624-6190.
• Please call a week in advance of when you would like to burn in order to give our staff time to make arrangements to come out to your site and issue your permit.
• In order to further ease the process, please have your site ready according to the burning site guidelines. before staff arrive.
• All permits must be completely extinguished before they expire, so if you need an extention, please make sure to call in for one well before your permit expires.

Wildfire Prevention

Please click on the links below for more information on how YOU can prevent wildfires.

• get a fire permit before you burn
• ensure that your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished before you leave your site
• check your ATV for dry debris that may be heating up on the hot parts of your machine.  

For More Information

• Visit us on Facebook  or Twitter or download our Alberta Wildfire App for android and apple products
• Up-to-date information fire restrictions and fire bans is available by calling 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).
• Current wildfire information
• Fire ban information
• Fire ban system