Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - August 19, 2020

Posted on Wed, Aug 19, 2020

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WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger is now HIGH in the Peace River Forest Area.  

Due to the recent thundershowers and associated lightning and strong winds, there were eight new wildfire starts in the area last night.  Firefighters were able to get to them quickly and three of them have been extinguished, two are under control and three are being held.  They are all under half a hectare in size and firefighters will work to extinguish them throughout the day.

So far this season, there have been 47 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, all but 5 of which have been extinguished. 

Firefighters have been patrolling and lookout observers are keeping a watchful eye out for new smokes popping up in the area.  Firefighting resources have been placed strategically throughout the Peace River Forest Area in order to quickly action and control any new wildfire starts.

Please call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

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

 

FIRE ADVISORIES, RESTRICTIONS AND BANS

There are currently no fire advisories, restrictions or bans in the Peace River Forest Area.  

Please visit www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

 

BEFORE YOU BURN IT, GET A PERMIT

Fire permits are required for all burning within the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of campfires.  To inquire about getting your free fire permit, call the Peace River Forest Area office at 780-624-6190.

Please remember that if you intend to burn once you've obtained your fire permit, you must evaluate the weather at your specific location and follow the conditions on your permit. You can be held responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. 

 

SAFE OHV USE

OHV Hot Spots

If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:

  • OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
  • It is crucial for Albertans to stop and check OHVs and the ground for any debris that may have fallen.
  • Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
  • Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.
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COVID-19 AND WILDFIRE

Alberta Wildfire has developed a COVID-19 response plan that will ensure we can keep staff healthy and effectively manage wildfires during the 2020 wildfire season. Wildfire fighting methods were reviewed and best practices on physical distancing, hygiene, travel and isolation have been adopted.

Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate through these difficult times.

For more information, visit:

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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For more information, please contact:

Crystal Burrows | Wildfire Information Officer

Mobile: (780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)

 

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