Peace River Area Update (26)

PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA / WILDFIRE SITUATION

There are currently two fires classified as OUT OF CONTROL in the Peace River Forest Area. Since January 1, there have been 91 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, which have burned approximately 12,810 hectares.

PWF074 🔴

This wildfire, 3166 hectares (ha) in size, is located approximately 17 km southwest of Keg River and is classified as OUT OF CONTROL. Air tankers, firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment operators continue their fire suppression efforts to contain and control this wildfire. The cause is lightning.

PWF076 🔴

This wildfire, 9183 hectares (ha) in size, is located approximately 23 km northeast of Worsley and is classified as OUT OF CONTROL. Air tankers, firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment operators continue their fire suppression efforts to contain and control this wildfire. The cause is under investigation.

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

A fire advisory is in effect for the Peace River Forest Area.

The fire advisory is in place as a precautionary measure. There could be cured grass present in areas which increases the wildfire hazard when conditions are right.

Under this advisory:

- Existing fire permits remain valid, but extension requests may not be granted.

- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

- Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas.

- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.

We encourage any landowners who have done burning over the winter and that have had past fire permits to revisit the burn location to ensure these fires are fully extinguished.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.

310-FIRE flames

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION

The fire danger is very high to extreme in the Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche Forest Areas. The northwest side of the province is mainly high to low. The southern parts of the province and agricultural zone remain extreme.

Since January 1, there have been 995 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 562,064 (ha). Last year, on this date, there were 928 wildfires that had burned 2,179,805 ha across the province. The five-year average — from January 1 to this date — is 790 wildfires, which burned 628,610 ha across the province.

CLASSIFICATIONS | Learn more about wildfire classifications.

LOCATIONS | View this wildfire on our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.

wildfire app (5)

LIGHTNING

Nature's fire starter

When it comes to starting wildfires in Alberta, lightning is second only to human activity. Of the 91 fires in the Peace River Forest Area in 2024, 51 have been caused by lightning.

Although lightning caused wildfires cannot be prevented, we can prepare and anticipate them with weather monitoring and resource allocation.

Learn more about forest fires and lightning.

lightning_valley

SAFE CAMPFIRES

Never leave a campfire unattended: Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch.

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.

Wildfire_HotSpots_Hubspot_1200x628

Using off-highway vehicles (OHV), tools and equipment? Please use caution if you are using an OHV or doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. With an OHV, check your muffler and maintain your vehicle in good working condition; avoid use in areas with tall grass.

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Tractors, combines, swathers, balers, and other heavy machinery on the farm can be a potential fire risk. You can reduce this risk by:

Clearing out any excess chaff around the engine, exhaust, belts, and chains
Replacing damaged exhaust systems, drive belts, and electrical wiring
Properly greasing moving parts
Fixing fluid, oil, and fuel leakages

To learn more about reducing the risk of wildfire on the farm, download the FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide.

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CONTACT:

Tannis McNabb

Area Information Coordinator

Peace River Forest Area

780-617-4851

tannis.mcnabb@gov.ab.ca

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HELPFUL LINKS

Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - July 30, 2024

Never leave a campfire unattended: Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch.

Using off-highway vehicles (OHV), tools and equipment? Please use caution if you are using an OHV or doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. With an OHV, check your muffler and maintain your vehicle in good working condition; avoid use in areas with tall grass.

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