Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - April 19, 2024

Posted on Fri, Apr 19, 2024

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A fire restriction is in effect for central parts of the province, including throughout the Peace River Forest Area and beyond (see map below).


Fire Restriction wide

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.

 

Although there is still snow coverage in some areas, there are bare spots throughout the forest area that pose a risk for new wildfire starts. Return to winter burn sites to ensure they are completely extinguished. These fires can smoulder underground and flare up into a wildfire when conditions permit.

 


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Fire permits required

Fire permits are required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire. 

Fire permits are free and help us track what is burning on the landscape. Request your fire permit online or call the Peace River forestry office at 780-624-6190. Permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, once a site visit has been done.

Check winter burns

Holdover fires are likely to occur this year due to dry conditions. A fire lit in the winter and left smouldering can burn under the snow and into the ground all winter long. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires. To prevent spring wildfires, check your winter burn sites frequently and ensure that all fires are completely extinguished.

Always follow our safe burning guidelines.


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Wildfire situation 

Since January 1, there have been 22 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area that have burned more than 93 hectares.

There are currently seven wildfires burning in the Peace River Forest Area. Five are carryover wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season; two of these wildfires is under control and three are being held. There are two fires burning that started in 2024 - both are under control. All are being monitored by firefighters.

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


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

 

Join the conversation on FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

 

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