crew drop off

FIRE BAN IN EFFECT

FBSFireBan_SocialMedia-01 Due to extreme 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 2, 2019 at noon)

There have been no new starts in the Peace River Forest Area today so far today.

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 71 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area this fire season, and each of these wildfires has now been extinguished with the exception of two.

WILDFIRES OF NOTE:

Battle Complex:

PCX-001 (formerly PWF 052 and 054) remains out of control at 52,322 hectares in size Manning/Notikewin area

There was little growth on the fire overnight. Clear skies may result in increased fire activity earlier than usual today but it allowed our ground crews, heavy equipment and helicopters to get an early start this morning. Their efforts will be focused on the middle section of the eastern side of the fire, in the bay of previously unburned fuel where the fire was active yesterday evening.
Ignitions were used on the middle of the western side of the fire yesterday to create a fuel-free section in an area where the fire has been moving westward against the wind over the last few days. Ground crews and heavy equipment will work on the west end again today. The smoke from that ignition also created some shade on the east side of fire, and that can help to reduce fire activity.
Ground crews continue to work on the southeast end of the fire as well. They are laying hose and cooling the area along the perimeter to reduce the risk of the fire moving beyond the existing perimeter.

PWF 070 remains being held 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. Firefighters and aircraft are continuing to work towards extinguishing this fire.

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 if you do not need to be there.

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

FIRE WEATHER

Early this afternoon, the winds are expected to come in from the west at 20 to 25 km/hr with gusts up to 40 km/hr. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 19 degrees with relative humidity levels reaching 25 to 30%.

Rain has been forecasted for Monday with 70% of the area expected to be covered with accumulations between 5 and 10 mm expected. The high temperature on Monday is expected to be 10 degrees.

SAFETY NOTICES

EVACUATIONS

County of Northern Lights:

The County of Northern Lights has issued a number of evacuations for the area. For more information, download the Alberta Emergency Alert app, listen to the local radio station or visit the County of Northern Lights website: www.countyofnorthernlights.com or the County’s facebook page www.facebook.com/countyofnorthernlights.

Please note:

If you are physically unable to evacuate on your own accord and require assistance, call the County Office at 780.836.3348 and together, they will make a plan with you.

The evacuation route is Highway 35 south. Please use extreme caution while driving as visibility is poor due to smoke.

All evacuees are requested to report at the Registration Centre located at the County of Northern Lights Main Office building at #600-7th Ave NW Manning. If you are planning to stay with friends or family, you are still asked to report at the registration centre.

Registering helps the County of Northern Lights to keep you informed throughout this situation and for re-entry into your community.

Town of Manning/County of Northern Lights:

An evacuation alert has been issued for the following areas:

northward from township road 910 (North Star Road)
Southward of township road 922 (Notikewin Road)
everyone west of range road 231

Potentially affected residents must begin preparations to evacuate on short notice (fueling vehicles, gathering documents, preparing food and water and animal safety, etc.)

In the event that the evacuation order is given, the Emergency Coordination Centre will instruct you on an evacuation route and reception centre.

Please continue to monitor the local media stations, the County of Northern Lights website (www.countyofnorthernlights.com) and the Town of Manning Facebook page for updates.

Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement:

Paddle Prairie has been evacuated since Sunday evening. Evacuees should register at the reception centre located at the Grande Prairie Regional College. The reception centre phone number is 780-567-5587.

For information on the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement evacuation, please visit their Facebook page.

For more information on evacuation alerts, visit Alberta Emergency Alert or download the free Alberta Emergency Alert app.

72 hour emergency preparedness kit

ROAD CLOSURES

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.

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)

Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - June 2, 2019 (am)