Using fire growth models, we are able to create a computer simulation of how a wildfire is likely to spread given the current hazard, weather and vegetation type.  This particular simulation shows an abandoned campfire escaping a fire pit within the Running Lake campground and demonstrates just how quickly such a fire could spread in the current dry and hot conditions.. Without intervention, the fire would be half the size of the city of Edmonton within two days.  It is worth noting that this was done assuming calm wind conditions and the fire would grow much more quickly if there were strong winds in the area.  As innocuous as they may seem, in the right conditions, even campfires in a fire pit can escape and spread into a large wildfire. Please do your part to prevent wildfires and soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool and your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished.  For more information about the many ways ESRD uses technology to help predict, prevent and control wildfires, visit our website.

Fire Advisory

Due to the warm, dry conditions and dry surface fuels, the Peace River Wildfire Management Area has declared a Fire Advisory, effective May 11, 2015.  Caution is recommended.

Safe campfires are permitted in campgrounds and back country or random camping areas.  Please ensure that your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished before you leave your site and do not leave it unattended at any time.   

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard remains VERY HIGH and is expected to continue to increase throughout the week with no significant relief in the forecast. Residents and visitors to the Peace River Wildfire Management Area are urged to be cautious with any burning at this time.

Fire fighting crews, air tankers, helicopters and heavy equipment have been strategically placed throughout the Peace River Wildfire Management Area ready to be quickly dispatched to any wildfire starts.  Our wildfire lookouts and aerial patrol crews will be on the look out for any new wildfire starts, but we need your help too.  PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN BURNING OR RECREATING IN THE FOREST AND CALL 310-FIRE TO REPORT WILDFIRES. 

Local Wildfires

There have been 36 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area this fire season, all but three of which have now been extinguished.  PWF 030, located east of St Isidore, is now being held at 55 hectares in size and given the current conditions, it is not expected to spread any further.  The remaining two active wildfires in the area have been turned over to the landowner.  The wildfire near Frank Lake, PWF-027 has now been extinguished.  THERE ARE NO STRUCTURES OR OTHER VALUES AT RISK AT THIS TIME.

Over the next couple of days, there will be a risk of more lightning fires popping up as the temperatures increase and the vegetation in the area continues to dry. 

Wildfire Prevention

With the very high fire hazard and dry forest vegetation in the area, many recreational activities have the potential to ignite a wildfire. It is extremely important that extra caution is taken while recreating this long weekend. Please remember to get a fire permit before you burn, ensure that your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished before you leave your site and check your ATV for dry debris that may be heating up on the hot parts of your machine.  Most importantly, call 310-FIRE IMMEDIATELY to report a wildfire. In these conditions, it is important to get fire fighting resources to all wildfires as soon as possible.

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