For fireworks use on Canada Day (or otherwise), please see important information below under "Community Engagement".
As we are experiencing warmer temperatures and low relative humidity, please use extra caution when spending time in forested areas. Report wildfires at 310-FIRE (3473).
There is currently no fire advisory in the Peace River Forest Area.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY (June 21)
Darcy Metchooyeah, a member of the Dene Tha' First Nation in the High Level area — and a key member of the Alberta Wildfire (Forestry and Parks) support team — moves materials at the Peace River Forest Area warehouse on June 21. An Alberta firefighter for several years, this is Darcy's second year in a support role.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is an occasion for Canadians to come together, reflect on and celebrate the unique heritage, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
WILDFIRE SITUATION - PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA
The fire danger is high to very high across most of the province with the exception of moderate fire danger across the Rocky Mountains and southern parts of the agricultural zone.
Since January 1, there have been 443 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 28,150 hectares. Last year, on this date, there were 661 wildfires that had burned 1,724,930 ha across the province. The five-year average — from January 1 to this date — is 535 wildfires, which had burned 504,779 hectares across the province.
CLASSIFICATIONS | Learn more about wildfire classifications.
LOCATIONS | View this wildfire on our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.
SAFE CAMPFIRES
Never leave a campfire unattended: Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch.
Wildfires can start anytime of year if the conditions are right. Here are a few tips that will help ensure a safe campfire:
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- 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.
- 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.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
CANADA DAY (July 1)
Alberta Wildfire will be raising awareness of wildfire prevention at Canada Day events in the Town of Peace River on July 1.
FIREWORKS
As the July long weekend approaches, many Albertans are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. While these displays can be thrilling, it’s crucial to remember that fireworks and exploding targets can pose a significant wildfire risk. The hot debris generated by these explosions can ignite dry grass and other forest fuels, leading to unintended wildfires. To prevent wildfires, the use of fireworks and exploding targets in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires written permission from a forest officer.
Please make your request at least three days before the long weekend to allow time for a necessary site inspection.
Peace River Forest Area: 780-624-6190
For those celebrating outside the Forest Protection Area, different rules apply depending on your location:
- Town of Peace River: Fireworks are allowed only for special town-sponsored events.
- Municipal District of Smoky River: Apply for a permit online at https://www.mdsmokyriver.com/departments/emergency-services/fire-permits/
- Municipal District of Peace: Apply for a permit online at https://mdpeace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fireworks-permit.pdf
- Northern Sunrise County (non-forest protection area): To request permission, call 780-624-0013.
By following these guidelines and obtaining the necessary permissions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND ALBERTA WILDFIRE
Jorge Jr Camacho-Camacho (yellow hard-hat, above and below), a firefighter in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA), supports his father, Jorge Camacho-Tornero (white hard-hat), a PRFA forest officer and fire investigator, managing a hazard reduction burn at Little Buffalo, Alta. in early 2024.
DRONES
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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