NOTE: Due to a server issue, the status map on the Alberta Wildfire App is not updating. Please use the wildfire status map on the Alberta Wildfire webpage for current locations. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working to resolve the issue.
Just a friendly reminder to ensure your campfires are completely extinguished this holiday weekend. We hope you enjoy the weekend and stay safe!
FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Download the new Alberta fire ban app, available for Android and Apple devices, to make planning your next outdoor adventure a breeze!
WILDFIRE DANGER
The fire danger level in the Peace River Forest Area is now HIGH.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid twenties tomorrow with 40-45% relative humidity. Additional rain showers and thunder showers are expected to pass through the area over the next 24 hours with a high chance of lightning. Strong winds are in the forecast for tomorrow afternoon. Check our wildfire weather forecast for more details (MA=west side of the Peace River, RE= the east side).
Firefighters, helicopters, air tankers and heavy equipment groups have been strategically placed around the area in preparation for any new wildfire starts.
WILDFIRE UPDATE (current as of 9 pm on August 5)
The Peace River Forest Area has recorded 99 wildfires with a total of 5,331.40 hectares burned since wildfire season began March 1, 2018. There are currently 5 active wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area.
PWF 47 remains under control at 3,992 hectares in size 20 kms west of Hotchkiss.
PWF 87 remains under control at 9.2 hectares in size close to the BC border on the south end of the Chinchaga Wildland Park.
NEW FIRES (discovered this evening):
PWF 97 is currently out of control at 11.0 hectares in size east of the Paddle Prairie Area on the east side of the river.
PWF 98 is currently out of control at 1.4 hectares in size east of the Notikewin Provincial Park on the east side of the river.
PWF 99 is being held at 0.01 hectares in size west of Hawk Hills (on the west side of the highway).
Firefighters, air tankers and helicopters have all been working hard to gain control of these wildfires tonight and will continue their efforts first thing in the morning.
There have been a number of small lightning fires in the area in the last week and due to the hard work of our firefighters and aircraft, they have all been extinguished. With the thundershowers that are expected to continue to pass through the area, there is a potential for new lightning fire starts. Please help us get to them while they are small by calling 310-FIRE to report all wildfires.
Anyone with smoke related health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services or call 811 for 24/7 health advise from Alberta Health Link. For a smoke forecast map use Western Canada Smoke
For your safety and the safety of firefighters, please stay clear of wildfire operations especially when aircraft are flying in the area. We appreciate your support.
For more information on the location of wildfires in the province including status definitions, please visit our wildfire status map.
For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT WILDFIRES
Before you burn it, get a permit
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 please burn safely within the conditions on your permit.
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.
Keep your OHV debris free
Grass, twigs, leaves and mud can build up in the hotspots, heat up, drop off and start a wildfire. Remember to clean your machine before, during and after your ride.
Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you
- Download our apps, 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)