PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA / WILDFIRE SITUATION
There are currently three fires classified as BEING HELD in the Peace River Forest Area. Since January 1, there have been 95 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, which have burned approximately 15,892 hectares.
The fire danger is mainly low to moderate throughout the Forest Protection Area, with pockets of high to very high fire danger along the northern border and in the Grande Prairie and Calgary forest areas. The fire danger is very high to extreme in the agricultural zone.
Since January 1, there have been 1094 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 705,755 (ha). Last year, on this date, there were 977 wildfires that had burned 2,204,512 ha across the province.
CLASSIFICATIONS | Learn more about wildfire classifications.
LOCATIONS | View this wildfire on our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.
FALL FEATURE: COMBINE HARVESTERS
As we transition into the harvest season here in Peace Country, the combine harvester becomes a familiar sight. These behemoth machines are built to separate seeds from dry crop plants and discard the remaining material.
It is well known among farmers and rural residents that the combine is the machine on the farm most at-risk of fire. The reason for this is not the machine itself, but rather the tinder-dry material that the combine works with and the heat caused by long hours of continuous operation.
Mitigating fire risk on the combine can be divided into three categories:
✅Prevention:
- Clearing out any excess chaff around the engine, radiator, exhaust, bearings, augers, belts, and chains.
- Cleaning any excess oil, fuel, grease, and other leaks
- Replacing any damaged electrical wiring, exhaust systems, and drive belts
- Shutting off the combine before fueling
- Lubricating moving components according to manufacturers recommendation
- Storing the combine away from external heat sources
- Ceasing operations during excessive heat
✅Monitoring:
- Performing a walk-around inspection of the combine after morning start up and evening shut off
- Routinely checking temperature gauges and sensors
✅Suppression:
- Having up to date ABC Dry Chemical fire extinguishers: a 10 pound extinguisher in the cab and 20 pound extinguisher at ground level. Know where they are and how to use them.
- In the event of a combine fire:
-Shut off the engine
-Exit the combine
-Call 911
-If using a fire extinguisher aim for the base of the fire
Tractors, combines, swathers, balers, and other heavy machinery on the farm can all cause wildfires. Prevention is the best tool to protect people, homes, landscapes, and livelihoods.
To learn more about reducing the risk of wildfire on the farm, download the FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide.
From all of us here at Peace River Forestry, we wish local farmers and their families a safe and bountiful harvest season.
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