There is currently no fire advisory in the Peace River Forest Area.
Please use caution, however, when spending time in forested areas. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Highlights of a "Walk-in-the-Forest" Day – see community engagement (below)
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.
Using tools and equipment? Please use caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. This includes grinding, welding and operating heavy equipment in any location: whether commercial, industrial or farming. Wildfires will catch easily and burn quickly under these conditions.
*** Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during the spring and over long weekends, so please do your part to prevent wildfires. ***
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To view these wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status page.
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 (see below).
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
A "Walk-in-the-Forest" Day at Wilderness Park
An Alberta forest officer discusses trees and conservation with grade 6 students at Wilderness Park, just west of the Town of Peace River, on May 22.
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Firefighters unload equipment as part of "Walk-in-the-Forest" Day – aimed at raising awareness of forests, conservation and fire safety among grade 6 students – at Wilderness Park on May 22.
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Grade 6 students gather around a forest officer talking about forests and conservation, during a "Walk-in-the-Forest" Day held at Wilderness Park, near the Town of Peace River, on May 22.
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.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND "ALBERTA WILDFIRE"
Cristalle Fairbank (above and below) is one of Alberta Wildfire's pilots for the L-188 Electra air tanker, based in Manning, Alta. -- in the PRFA) -- an aircraft that is used to drop water and retardant in support of the fire suppression efforts of our firefighters and other operators on the ground.
The Alberta Wildfire team is supported by firefighters, as well as logistics, air and other specialist staff – and, of course, the families, friends and neighbours behind them – in their work protecting people, communities and the environment across the province.
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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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