Dry grass and forest vegetation is always a concern this time of year.  Please exercise caution, get a fire permit before burning and follow the conditions on your fire permit.  Make sure to recreate safely and call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

Posts will be less frequent during the general election period: https://alberta.ca/election.

For assistance, call 310-0000 or send a direct message.

FIRE ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT

Although snow remains in the backcountry, areas of exposed dry grass around the Peace River area pose a significant wildfire risk. As a result, a Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Peace River Forest Area.

Existing fire permits remain valid (subject to suspension or cancellation). New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

What is allowed:
Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

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

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Soak it with water, stir it up and soak it again. The ashes should be cool to the touch.

Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

FIRE SEASON STARTED MARCH 1

The 2019 Fire Season started on March 1, 2019.  As of that date, fire permits are required for all burning, with the exception of heating or warming fires, within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.  

Call the Peace River Forest Area office at 780-624-6190 to find out how to obtain your FREE fire permit and to learn more.

DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT SPRING WILDFIRES

Be sure to extinguish your campfires

Soak it with water, stir it up and soak it again. The ashes should be cool to the touch.

Recheck your debris piles to ensure they are extinguished

• STIR IT: spread out the remaining material within the pile using a metal probe, or if necessary, heavy equipment. Dig down into the soil to make sure the fire has not burned down to the root system.
• SOAK IT: soak the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced by the pile. 
• STIR IT AGAIN: Roll the debris over. Using your bare hand, feel for heat while looking for steam. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat coming from the ashes.

Learn about brush pile and windrow burning.

Check your OHV for debris

Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hot spots such as your exhaust, muffler, under the seat, wheel wells, engine and manifold on your OHV are free of debris, and ensure that your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly. 

WILDFIRE UPDATE

For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.

FIRESMART

You can protect your home from wildfire

Protecting your home from wildfire starts with simple actions. Whether you are doing regular yard maintenance or making large scale changes during renovations or landscaping, you can make choices that will help protect your home from wildfire.

While properly preparing your home and community can reduce the risk of damage caused by wildfires, ensure that you have proper insurance on your home and property.

Know your hazard…take the assessment

Knowing the factors that can pose a threat to your home, yard and beyond can empower you to make choices that will reduce the risk.

• Complete the structure and site hazard assessment to understand hazard within 30 metres of a home or building
• Take the area hazard assessment to understand the hazard greater than 30 metres of a home or building

Take action…

Some of the measures cost very little and can help reduce the vulnerability of your home to wildfire, others require planning and long-term commitment. Learn how to make FireSmart actions that can protect your:

• Home Construction
• Yard and landscaping
• Vegetation and fuels
• Access
• Farm or Acreage

Bring FireSmart to your neighbourhood

The FireSmart Community Recognition Program gives acknowledgement to the FireSmart actions your community is taking. Learn how your community can become a recognized FireSmart Community.

 

Learn more at firesmartcanada.ca.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION