The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area is currently high. A fire restriction is in place due to dry conditions. Please use caution when spending time in forested areas. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Firefighters continue to respond to a mutual aid wildfire southeast of Grimshaw, Alberta (southwest of the Town of Peace River). See below for more information.
REMINDER: Please do NOT use drones in the vicinity of this or any other wildfire, as their use forces us to halt our air operations, hindering the work of our firefighters and fire suppression efforts (more information below).
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for central parts of the province, including throughout the Peace River Forest Area and beyond (see map below).
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
Check winter burns
Although there is still snow coverage in some areas, there are bare spots throughout the forest area that pose a risk for new wildfire starts. Return to winter burn sites to ensure they are completely extinguished. These fires can smoulder underground and flare up into a wildfire when conditions permit.
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PMD003 - mutual aid wildfire
Alberta Wildfire is responding to a mutual aid wildfire in the Peace River area in support of the MD of Peace 135 and its resources. The fire is located approximately 20 kilometres south-west of the Town of Peace River and approximately seven kilometres south-east of Grimshaw, towards the river.
Although the area involved is now estimated to be approximately 1,500 hectares, there was no fire growth apparent overnight.
As of 9:45 a.m. on April 24, ground crews, aircraft and heavy equipment remain on scene, continuing their work to protect people, communities and the environment.
REMINDER: Please do NOT use drones in the vicinity of this or any other wildfire, as their use forces us to halt air operations, hindering the work of our firefighters and fire suppression efforts (more info below).
Alberta Wildfire personnel worked through the night completing operations to remove fuels, reducing the potential of fire challenging the guard through the heat of the burning period today. Crews are working in some challenging terrain to tie up these spots and reduce the chance of fire spreading.
MD and county fire departments are also on scene today, securing perimeters and triaging structures around the fire for any possible structural protection requirements.
Forecasted weather is cooler temperatures throughout the day with lighter winds and higher relative humidity.
Further updates on this mutual aid fire will be provided as information becomes available.
Please also visit the Municipal District of Peace 135's website for the latest information.
Since January 1, there have been 22 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area that have burned more than 93 hectares.
There are currently seven wildfires burning in the Peace River Forest Area. Five are carryover wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season; two of these wildfires are under control and three are being held. There are two fires burning that started in 2024 - both are under control. All are being monitored by firefighters.
To view these wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status page.
DRONES
Drones are not permitted within five nautical miles (or 9.3 kilometers) of a wildfire. If you fly a drone within this distance of a wildfire, it immediately halts aerial firefighting operations because it is not safe for our aircraft to fly with drones operating in the vicinity. The penalty for interfering with wildfire control operations can land you a court appearance: for more information go to the Government of Alberta website.
For more information on regulations regarding the use of drones near wildfires, visit Transport Canada's website.
Now hiring
Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We hire a variety of positions for the 2024 wildfire season. Apply today through the Alberta Jobs portal.
FireSmart
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how you can reduce the risk and negative impact of wildfire to your home, neighbourhood and community.
To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
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