Peace River Forest Area - June 09, 2025
Due to high temperatures and dry conditions, the wildfire danger level is extreme in the Peace River Forest Area.
Vegetation is extremely dry and poses serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which will make firefighting challenging.
Please use extreme caution until conditions improve. Plan any activities that could create a spark, hot exhaust or friction late in the evening or early in the morning. Keep watch of your surroundings and carry sufficient firefighting equipment and water if you are working outdoors.
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1, there have been 59 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, burning a total of 68,120 hectares.
Slims Creek wildfire (PWF050)
PWF050 is 30km north of the town of Manning and trending to the southeast. Work continues to contain the wildfire with heavy equipment, helicopters and crews. Highway 35 is now open between Hawk Hills and Keg River, but smoke conditions in the surrounding area can decrease visibility and impact air quality. Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area is in the vicinity of this fire and also remains closed at this time.
For updates on highway closures visit Alberta 511.
Bison Lake wildfire (PWF044)
PWF044 is burning 65 km east of the town of Manning, on the east side of the Peace River. There was significant fire behaviour overnight, spreading the fire up and around the north side of Bison Lake. Crews, heavy equipment, and aerial resources continue to work to contain this fire. PWF044 poses no risk to infrastructure or communities at this time.
For real time information on wildfires in the province visit the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.
Fire ban
A fire ban is now in effect for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information.
Not worth the risk
Regulations and laws relating to fire in the forest protection area are in place to prevent wildfires. When we abide by them, we protect homes, livelihoods, landscapes, and lives.
The serious nature of fire on the landscape is reflected in the fines for non-compliance under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act.
- Burning without a permit: $350
- Failure to extinguish permitted burn: $840
- Leaving a campfire unattended: $600
- Starting a fire during a fire ban: $600
- Setting off explosives/fireworks in the forest protection area: $600
- Operating an OHV during a ban or closure: $1200
- Interfering with wildfire operations: mandatory court appearance
Unsure what activities are permitted in specific locations? Give us a call on our fire information line at 1-866-FYI-FIRE (394-3473). To report illegal fire activity call 310-FIRE (3473).
Published on June 9, 2025 1:09 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Tannis McNabb
780-617-4851
tannis.mcnabb@gov.ab.ca