Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - June 12, 2024

Posted on Wed, Jun 12, 2024

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The wildfire danger in the Peace River Forest Area is now LOW. 

 

Please use caution when spending time in forested areas. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

There is currently no fire advisory in the Peace River Forest Area.

 

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Never leave a campfire unattended: Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

While it may feel like summer isn't here yet, the chance of a wildfire is very real. Wildfires can start anytime of year if the conditions are right.

Here are a few tips that will help ensure a safe campfire:

  • Never leave your campfire unattended. Before you leave your campfire, ensure you fully extinguish it by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again until they are cool to the touch.

  • Choose a safe site that is out of the wind and on bare mineral ground. Ensure that sparks can't fly into nearby dry fuels or grass (a spark will fly farther than you think).

  • Ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment, including water, nearby. Don't take chances; a spark in dry grass will ignite easily and spread very quickly in windy conditions.

  • Remember to visit www.albertafirebans.ca before heading out, to find the latest information about fire bans in the province.


PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION

The fire danger is low across most of the boreal, with pockets of moderate to high in the west and south boreal regions. It ranges from moderate to extreme along the Rocky Mountains and is extreme in the agricultural zone.

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 423 wildfires burning a total of approximately 27,986 hectares (ha). 

Last year, on this date, there were 634 wildfires that had burnt a total of 1,724,275 ha across the province. Over the past five years on this date, an average of 495 wildfires had burnt an average of 496,690 ha.

CLASSIFICATIONS | Learn more about wildfire classifications.

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

 
 
WILDFIRE SITUATION - PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA (PRFA) 
 
There are five wildfires burning in the Peace River Forest Area — all are under control. Three of the five are carryover wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season, and all are being monitored by Alberta Wildfire personnel.
 
Since January 1, there have been 39 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, which have burned approximately 139 ha. 
 
PWF-038
 
This wildfire, which is approximately 160 km NW of Manning and about 14 km east of the B.C. border (in the area of Milligan Hills), is under control and estimated to cover 5.2 ha. The PRFA investigation found this wildfire to have been caused by lightning. 
 
PWF-037
 
This wildfire, which is approximately 45 km west (and slightly north) of Manning, is under control and estimated to cover 17 ha. The PRFA investigation found this wildfire to have been caused by lightning. 
 
To view on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status page.

 

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Alberta Wildfire participates with Indigenous and other community members in the Peace River Traditional Pow Wow

Darcy Metchooyeah (centre, black ballcap), a member of the Peace River Forest Area support team, represents Alberta Wildfire (Forestry and Parks)  while carrying the Eagle Feather Staff (a symbol of strength and courage) during the "Grand Entry"  at the Peace River Traditional Pow Wow on June 1.

This vibrant, cultural event, held at the Agricultural Grounds on June 1-2, is attended by hundreds of community members, and representatives of many organizations, in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. 

 

Key members of the "Grand Entry" group, including Alberta Wildfire's representative (yellow shirt), participate in the Peace River Traditional Pow Wow on June 1.

 

Darcy Metchooyeah (centre, yellow shirt), representing Alberta Wildfire (Forestry and Parks), shakes hands with RCMP members and others at the Peace River Traditional Pow Wow  a vibrant, cultural and community event, on June 1. 

 

The Eagle Feather Staff (a symbol of strength and courage), which was carried during the "Grand Entry" by an Indigenous Alberta Wildfire representative.

 

DRONES

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REMINDER: Please do NOT use drones in the vicinity of wildfires, as their use forces us to halt air operations, hindering the work of our firefighters and fire suppression efforts

Drones are not permitted within five nautical miles (or 9.3 kilometers) of a wildfire. If you fly a drone within this distance, it is not safe for our aircraft to fly in the vicinity.

https://www.alberta.ca/how-we-fight-wildfires#jumplinks-2

For more information on regulations for the use of drones near wildfires, visit Transport Canada's website. 

 

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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.

 

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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.

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CONTACT:

Mark Giles, APR
Wildfire Information Officer
Peace River Forest Area
(780) 618-2081
 
 

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