The Peace River Forest Area is experiencing strong, gusty winds that may persist throughout the weekend. With the dry forest vegetation, wildfires will spread quickly in these conditions. Please follow the conditions on your fire permit, recreate safely and call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.
There may be smoke in the air due to a wildfire burning within the boundary of the MD of Peace. If you are experiencing any respiratory issues please call Health Link at 811.
FIRE ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
Although snow remains in the back country, 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 hot spots 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.
HAZARD REDUCTION BURNING
Weather permitting, and in order to reduce the dry grass fire hazard in the area, firefighters will be continuing to conduct hazard reduction burns numerous areas throughout the weekend including:
- north of the Whitemud River along hwy 743
- approximately 1 mile east of Keg River
- 20 miles west of Dixonville
Burning grass in a controlled manner is one of a number of fuel management tools that can be used to reduce the potential for unwanted wildfire, in and around communities and across landscapes.
FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED
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.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
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.
Check your OHV for debris
Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires and this is especially likely in dry grass conditions. 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. 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.
Learn more at firesmartcanada.ca.
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 (3743)