FIRE BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT
Due to the continued wildfire danger from dry grass and weather indicators, the Fire Ban and OHV Restriction remains in effect for the Peace River Forest Area and most of northern Alberta.
Existing fire permits are suspended until further notice.
Prohibited
- All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
- Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
- Fireworks and exploding targets.
- The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.
Allowed
- Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
- OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands.
The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Many nearby municipalities have advisories, restrictions or firebans in place. Please check www.albertafirebans.ca for more information and to view a map of the fireban/OHV restriction boundaries.
WILDFIRE UPDATE (current as of June 12, 2019 at 9 am)
Numerous resources including crews, aircraft and heavy equipment groups have been placed throughout the area on standby and at the ready to quickly action any new wildfire starts.
There have been 75 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area this fire season, and each of these wildfires has now been extinguished with the exception of two.
Battle Complex:
PCX-001 (formerly PWF 052 and 054):
This lightning caused fire remains out of control at 55,179 hectares in size in the Manning/Notikewin area
- A morning inversion is expected for today (Wednesday) so smoke may lay low for the morning but should break by mid-morning as west/southwest winds increase.
- Lower relative humidity and higher temperatures will generate higher intensity burning as crossover conditions are expected to develop by the afternoon. Gusty west/southwest winds of 20 km/h for the afternoon will substantially increase fire behaviour.
- As the temperatures increase and relative humidity levels decrease, fire behavior will continually intensify. While the perimeter has been fortified and has been holding, there are numerous pockets of unburned trees within the fire that will continue to burn. Nearby residents will continue to see signs of active burning such as smoke columns in the fire area.
PWF 070 remains classified as under control at 251 hectares in size west of Keg River. The fire has been completely surrounded by dozer guard and the perimeter has not changed since Monday of last week.
HWF 042 (Chuckegg Creek Fire)
For updates on this fire, please visit http://srd.web.alberta.ca/high-level-area-update
For your safety and the safety of the numerous firefighters working to contain these wildfires, please stay obey the access restrictions and stay out of the area.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
FIRE WEATHER
Today's temperatures are expected to increase to 24-26 degrees while the relative humidity is expected to drop down to 25%. These conditions will cause an increase in fire intensity and new wildfires could spread quickly. Approximately 20% of the area should see some light showers over the next 24 hours, but some of that will come in the form of thundershowers, so there is also a high chance of lighting passing through the area which could cause new lightning fires.
SAFETY NOTICES
EVACUATION UPDATES
County of Northern Lights:
For more information on evacuation alerts, visit Alberta Emergency Alert or download the free Alberta Emergency Alert app.
ROAD CLOSURES
The Chinchaga Road continues to be closed to the public. It can be accessed by commercial traffic but there are danger trees along the route so those using the road must stop at the checkpoints, drive 50 km/hr and drive straight through the area affected by the fire. No stopping is permitted while traversing the fire area.
Highway 35 is open for travel between Township Road 1022 and 5km south of High Level. This portion requires a police escort. Expect major delays in the area. There still is no access to Paddle Prairie at this time due to the wildfire.
For information on road closures and other access related hazards, visit Alberta 511 or download the free Alberta 511 app.
SMOKE
Smoke may be drifting into the area for the foreseeable future. Anyone with health concerns should check with Alberta Health Services or call 811 for 24/7 health advice from Alberta Health Link. For a smoke forecast map, visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada.
Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta may also cause reduced visibility. Please turn your vehicle headlights from auto to on when driving. For further information on air quality, visit: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx
FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED
All fire permits have been suspended, effective on May 16 at 6 pm. No fire permits will be issued until the fire danger conditions improve.
Please call the Peace River Forest Area office at 780-624-6190 if you have any questions about fire permits.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT WILDFIRES
Please continue to respect the fire ban and quad restriction currently in effect.
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)