The dry grass hazard remains a concern even as temperatures begin to drop.  Firefighters and equipment have been placed throughout the Peace area in preparation for any new wildfire starts.  

FIRE ADVISORY - HIGH FIRE HAZARD - CAUTION ADVISED  

The FIRE ADVISORY remains in effect for the area. With the accumulation of dry grasses and leaves everywhere, the forest is in prime condition to burn readily.  Extra caution is recommended until the temperatures drop significantly, adequate rain falls in the area and the trees, shrubs and grasses begin to green up.

Active wildfires in the area

There was one new fire in the Peace Area today.  PWF 014 has been extinguished at 0.01 hectares in size.

PMD001 is located just west of Whitelaw and is BEING HELD at approximately 250 hectares in size. The fire is not expected to spread significantly beyond the current boundaries. The dozer guard has now been completed and the fire behavior was considerably calmer again today. PMD001 map   

PWF 013 is located just southeast of the Figure 8 Lake Provincial Recreation Area.  This fire is now UNDER CONTROL at 99 hectares.  The fire perimeter has now been completely secured from any further spread.  PWF 013 map

PWF 009 is under control at 0.20 hectares north of the Leddy Lake area.

PWF 010 has been turned over at 3.0 hectares east of Manning.

PWF 011 has been turned over at 1.00 hectares east of Notikewin Provincial Park.

PWF 012 has been turned over at 0.02 hectares east of Manning.

PCU001 is located in the Manning area and is 4 hectares in size.

Be sure to extinguish your campfires

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.

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.  

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.

Double check your winter brush piles

In these dry conditions, strong winds can cause previously docile brush piles to become active again. When checking your brushpiles, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel any heat, the fire is still burning beneath the surface. Douse any remaining hot spots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not completely extinguished until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.

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. Due to the dry grass hazard, some burn permits may be denied until the area receives some precipitation.

While new permits for burn piles and/or windrows will be postponed until the hazard levels improve, please continue to call in as it will give staff the opportunity to inspect your site and ensure that you are fully prepared for when you will be allowed to burn again.

For more information contact:

Crystal Burrows - Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca