Peace River Area Update

Wildfires Intensify as Wind, Temperature and Fire Hazard Increase

Posted on Tue, Jul 07, 2015

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While there have been a number of helicopters, firefighting crews, heavy equipment and air tankers working to maintain control of the wildfires in the Notikewin area today, it is also important to remember that with the high hazard, strong winds, high temperatures and potential for more lightning tomorrow, there remains a significant potential for new wildfire starts.  In addition to the resources working to control the Notikewin fires, there are also a number of firefighting crews that are ready to fly in and action any new wildfires that are discovered in the area.

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard in the area is VERY HIGH for tomorrow (Wednesday).  Temperatures are expected to be up to 30 degrees Celsius tomorrow with the winds shifting around from the southwest to the north at 25 gusting to 50 km/hr.  There is a chance that some lightning showers will pass through the area in the next 24 hours.

Please help our firefighters action wildfires quickly by contacting us immediately at 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

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Fire Advisory Information

The Peace River Wildfire Management Area has declared a Fire Advisory effective at noon on June 26, 2015.

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. 

Contact 1-866-FYI-FIRE with questions.

Please make a habit of visiting www.albertafirebans.ca to ensure that there is no fire ban or restriction in your area before burning.

Concerns 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 135 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area this fire season, all but 8 of which have been extinguished.  

Active wildfires in the area current as of 9 pm on July 7 (changes have been italicized): 

  • PWF 052  is under control at 1202.80 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 out of control at 0.4 hectares in size west of the Clearhills area 

NOTIKEWIN COMPLEX

While the fires have been relatively calm the last couple of days, the intensity of each of them increased significantly this afternoon.  With the strong winds in the forecast for tomorrow, we are anticipating a very challenging day trying to manage these wildfires tomorrow.  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 being held at 530 hectares in the Notikewin area (approximately 15 kms northwest of Sulphur lake). The fire has now been encircled by dozer guard.  Numerous firefighting crews and helicopters worked towards further controlling this fire today and actioned a number of spot fires. This fire has jumped the guard this evening and there are tankers and helicopters working to control it. 
  • PWF 131 is now over 2,500 hectares in size.  This fire is located approximately 10 kms west of Sulphur Lake and 15 kms northwest of Stony Lake.  The dozer guard has now been completed. Multiple helicopters bucketed on the fire today supporting the firefighting crews on the ground. Numerous spot fires have been burning on the perimeter of the fire and are flaring up this afternoon and evening.  Air tankers and helicopters are working to get them controlled this evening.  
  • PWF 132 is under control at 0.30 hectare in size.
  • *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 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 
  • This map has not been updated with the new spot fires or excursions as we have been focusing our efforts on controlling this fire today.

BC FIRE

  • BPZ002 - The wildfire located just on the BC side of the Alberta/British Columbia border in the Fontas area and approximately 1800 hectares of this fire are now burning within Alberta.
  • BPZ002 MAP
  • Please note: this map has not been updated with a new perimeter with today's growth.     

Please click the link for an explanation of wildfire statuses.

Provincial Wildfires

There are 96 wildfires currently burning in the province, 38 of which remain out of control as of 9 pm on July 7.  

The 2015 fire season has been busier than average for the province with 1,296 fires and 426,307 hectares burned thus far.  This time last year, there had been 787 wildfires with a total of 3,613 hectares burned.

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.

For More Information

 

Remember to help us action wildfires quickly by calling 310-FIRE to report a wildfire.

For more information:

CRYSTAL BURROWS - Information Officer
c: 780.618.6215   o: 780.624.7142
crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca