Smoke has been drifting back into the area throughout the day and there have even been reports of ash falling in some areas. This smoke is coming in from the fires in the High Level Forest Area. Smoke Forecast Map
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 13, 2019 at 9 pm)
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.
The recent lightning activity has caused a number of new fire starts in the last 24 hours. There have been 80 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area this fire season, and each of these wildfires has now been extinguished with the exception of four.
Battle Complex:
PCX-001 (formerly PWF 052 and 054):
This lightning caused fire is now BEING HELD at 55,179 hectares in size in the Manning/Notikewin area
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Being held- This designation indicates that (with the resources currently committed to the fire) sufficient suppression action has been taken that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions.
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The area experienced widespread rainfall allowing firefighters to continue to work on solidifying the perimeter tomorrow. The fire has been relatively quiet throughout the day and any actively burning spots are well within the perimeter.
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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.
- PWF 070 map
PWF 076 was discovered yesteday in the Cliffdale area (33 kms east of St. Isidore and 27 kms south of Cadotte Lake).
- This fire is being held at 37 hectares in size thanks to the hard work of the numerous air tankers, helicopters, and firefighters that have been working on this fire.
- Heavy equipment groups worked overnight to completely surround this fire with dozer guard and crews have been working to reinforce that guard with hoses and water.
- No communities are at risk at this time.
- PWF 076 map
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
Tomorrow's temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees while the relative humidity is expected to increase to 40-70% (drier on the west side of the river). Approximately 50% 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. Winds are expected to be stronger tomorrow, blowing in from the NW at 20 km/hr with gusts up to 40 km/hr.
SAFETY NOTICES
EVACUATION UPDATES
County of Northern Lights/Town of Manning:
Evacuation Alert Status has been lifted:
At 8:00 a.m. Friday, June 14th, 2019 the Joint Emergency Coordination Centre for the Town of Manning and the County of Northern Lights RESCINDS the Evacuation Alert Status for the following boundaries:
Evacuation Alert has been lifted for:
- Town of Manning
- Northward from Township Road 910, (North Star Road)
- Everyone west from Range Road 231
- Everyone west from the Notikewin River
- Everyone south of the County’s northern boundary (Keg River/Carcajou)
More information on the Alert Status being lifted can be found at http://www.countyofnorthernlights.com/did-you-know/evacuation-alert-status-rescinded-residents-of-county-of-northern-lights-and-town-of-manning/
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 has been drifting back into the area throughout the day and there have even been reports of ash falling in some areas. This smoke is coming in from the Chuckegg Fire in the High Level Forest Area. For more information on that fire, please see the link above.
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)