Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - August 12, 2024

Posted on Mon, Aug 12, 2024

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PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA / WILDFIRE SITUATION  

There are currently two fires classified as BEING HELD in the Peace River Forest Area. Since January 1, there have been 92 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, which have burned approximately 15,877 hectares. 

PWF076 🌕 DEEP LAKE
This wildfire, 12,184 hectares (ha) in size, is located approximately 23 km northeast of Worsley and is classified as BEING HELD. Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment operators continue their fire suppression efforts to contain and control this wildfire. The cause is lightning.
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PWF074 🌕 KEMP RIVER
This wildfire, 3,232 hectares (ha) in size, is located approximately 17 km southwest of Keg River and is classified as BEING HELD. Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment operators continue their fire suppression efforts to contain and control this wildfire. The cause is lightning.
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To view on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status page.
 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION

The fire danger is high for the Rockies. It is very high to extreme for the remainder of the province.

Since January 1, there have been 1,060 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 610,501 (ha). Last year, on this date, there were 966 wildfires that had burned 2,204,512 ha across the province. 

CLASSIFICATIONS | Learn more about wildfire classifications.

LOCATIONS | View this wildfire on our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.

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LIGHTNING 

Nature's fire starter 

When it comes to starting wildfires in Alberta, lightning is second only to human activity. Of the 92 fires in the Peace River Forest Area in 2024, 51 have been caused by lightning. 

Although lightning caused wildfires cannot be prevented, we can prepare and anticipate them with weather monitoring and resource allocation.

Learn more about forest fires and lightning.

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Tractors, combines, swathers, balers, and other heavy machinery on the farm can be a potential fire risk. 

You can reduce this risk by:

  • Clearing out any excess chaff around the engine, exhaust, belts, and chains
  • Replacing damaged exhaust systems, drive belts, and electrical wiring
  • Properly greasing moving parts 
  • Fixing fluid, oil, and fuel leakages 

To learn more about reducing the risk of wildfire on the farm, download the FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide.


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Using off-highway vehicles (OHV), tools and equipment? Please use caution if you are using an OHV or doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. With an OHV, check your muffler and maintain your vehicle in good working condition; avoid use in areas with tall grass.


CONTACT:

Tannis McNabb
Area Information Coordinator
Peace River Forest Area
780-617-4851
 
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