The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area is currently rated as extreme. 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).
Current weather patterns are pushing smoke into Northern Alberta from the fires in Northern B.C. For smoke projections, please visit: https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/ . If in doubt, call 310-FIRE.
Use extreme caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. This includes grinding, welding and operating heavy equipment. Wildfires will catch easily and burn quickly under these conditions.
Alberta Wildfire continues to respond to two "being-held" fires (PWF031 and PWF029) -- with resources focused on fire 031. See below for more details.
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.
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Alberta Wildfire continues its response to a "being-held" fire approximately nine kilometres north-west of the Town of Peace River (several kilometres north-east of Grimshaw), which currently covers approximately eight hectares. While resources are currently focused on fire 031, we expect to move some back to this fire on Sunday, May 12. The cause of this fire is currently 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).
Since January 1, there have been 32 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area.
There are currently eight wildfires burning in the Peace River Forest Area: six are under control and two are being held (PWF029 and PFF031). Three of the eight 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.
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.
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Firefighters (above) with Alberta Wildfire participate in "hover exit" exercises in Manning, Alta. on May 7. These exercises are part of their ongoing training in support of fire prevention and suppression efforts across the province.
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Firefighters (above) participate in chain-saw training at Haig Lake in early May. This course is one of several that prepare Alberta Wildfire personnel for their work protecting residents, communities, forests and the environment in the area.
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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