The recent rain and snowfall helped to drastically reduce the fire hazard last week, but the more recent warm temperatures are causing it to rise once again. The fire hazard level has now increased to MODERATE for the Peace River Forest Area.
Fire Ban and OHV Restriction Changes
- The fire ban and OHV restrictions will no longer be in effect for most of the province.
- They will remain in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area of northeastern Alberta only
- Please note, there are many municipalities with fire bans on within the province. For information on advisories, restrictions and fire bans in the province, please visit http://
beta.albertafirebans.ca/ and check municipality websites for updates.
Evacuations and Closures
- Sign up for the free emergency alert app to get up to the minute alerts and updates on evacuations and other emergencies in the province pushed to your device.
- Please visit www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca for a listing of all evacuations currently in effect in Alberta.
- For information on how you can prepare yourself for the event that an evacuation is necessary, visit www.aema.alberta.ca/72-hour-emergency-kit.
Smoke concerns
Smoke is expected to drift into the area for the unforseeable future.
- If the smoke is bothering you, please consider staying indoors as much as possible. If you are having difficulties breathing, please call the Healthlink line or visit your local hospital.
- Please check the smoke forecast daily for expected smoke patterns.
Wildfire Preparation
Firefighters, heavy equipment, aircraft and support resources have all been strategically placed throughout the Peace River Forest Area in preparation for any new wildfire starts.
Please call 310-FIRE to report wildfires as soon as possible so that these resources can be dispatched expediently.
Active wildfires in the area
NEW FIRES IN THE AREA:
There were no new wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area today.
WILDFIRES OF NOTE IN THE AREA:
ABC001 (BC Wildfire # G80068) This wildfire continues to burn west of the Clearhills area on both sides of the BC/Alberta border.
- Due to the hard work of our firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment, this fire is now BEING HELD and given the resources and forecasted weather, this fire is not expected to spread significantly beyond its current boundaries. The fire has not grown since last week and is 22,500 hectares within Alberta. ABC001 map (Alberta side).
- The wildfire is being continuously monitored by personnel in a helicopter. Our first priority is public safety. If an evacuation becomes necessary, those affected will be notified by the proper authorities immediately.
- We continue working with the BC Forest Service to action this wildfire. For updates on the BC side of this fire, please continue to visit the BC wildfire website.
UPDATES ON OTHER WILDFIRES:
(1 ha is 100 metres by 100 metres or approximately the size of 2 football fields)
- PMD 001 is located just west of Whitelaw and remains under control at approximately 250 hectares in size. The fire has been contained and is not expected to spread beyond the current boundaries.
- PWF 008 remains under control at 12.3 hectares southwest of Dixonville.
- PWF 024 remains under control at 74 hectares in size west of the Dixonville area (north of the Smith Mills road). Due to the hard work of our crews and the rain and snow that passed through the area since yesterday, this fire has now been demobilized.
Safety Concerns
Drone and UAV Use
There have been a number of reports of UAV/drones flying over the fire in the Clearhills area, on both sides of the border. Air operations had to be temporarily grounded as a result.
- When you fly a drone or UAV over or near an Alberta wildfire, you’re breaking the law and endangering firefighting personnel and may cause firefighting operations to stop.
- Before you fly your drone or UAV, make sure you understand the rules that apply and follow them. Not doing so could cost you up to $25,000 in fines.
- For more information, please visit: tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst
Completely extinguish your campfires
Be sure to completely extinguish your campfire before leaving it unattended. Soak it with water, stir it and soak it again. Repeat this process until the ashes are cool to the touch.
- All campfires should be burned within a fire pit ring with a non-flammable material such as clean sand underneath.
- Ensure that there is no dry grass or other flammable material around the ring.
Keep your OHV clean
The hot areas on your OHV can collect dried grasses and other debris and start a wildfire.
- Please clean your quad regularly throughout the day and carry a bucket with you to help in the event of a starting a wildfire.
- Stop frequently and check behind you for hot spots.
- If you start a fire with your OHV, call 310-FIRE immediately.
Before you burn it, get your permit
Beginning March 1st, all burning activities in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
- Fire permits are free and available at your local Agriculture and Forestry office. You can call 780-624-6190 for more information or to obtain you free fire permit.
- Please check the weather forecast before burning.
For more information
- Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you
- Download our app, available for Apple and Android devices.
- You can also find us on
- Facebook,Twitter
- Youtube
- or visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca
Or contact:
Crystal Burrows - Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 618-6215
crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE