Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - April 26, 2024 at 11:15 a.m.

Posted on Fri, Apr 26, 2024

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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). 

The mutual-aid wildfire southeast of Grimshaw, Alberta (southwest of the Town of Peace River) is being held, as per the M.D. of Peace 135, with some personnel still on scene to monitor the situation. The cause of this fire is under investigation. 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 wide

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.


wildfire app (2)
 
 
Wildfire situation 

PMD003 - mutual aid wildfire

Alberta Wildfire continues to support 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. 

As of 11:15 a.m. on April 26, the fire is considered as being held, as per the M.D. of Peace 135. Some ground crews remain on scene to monitor the situation, as part of their work protecting people, communities and the environment. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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).

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 24 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area. 

There are currently seven wildfires burning in the Peace River Forest Area, including the mutual-aid fire (PMD003) near Grimshaw. Five are under control and two (including the mutual-aid fire) are being held. Three of the seven are carryover wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season. All are being monitored by Alberta Wildfire personnel.

To view these wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status page.

 

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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. 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.

 


2024 seasonal recruitment

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


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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.


CONTACT

Provincial Information Officer
(780) 420-1968

 

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