Significant rainfall is expected to drop the wildfire hazard to low by tomorrow afternoon, but until that rain passes through, the wildfire hazard remains high.  Please help by calling 310-FIRE to report wildfires and follow us or download our free app to get updates.

Wildfire Update

There have been 50 wildfires in the Peace River Forest area this fire season.  Six of wildfires were discovered today, one has been extinguished, one has been turned over to the landowner and the rest of which are now under control at less than a hectare in size.  All previous wildfires have been extinguished.  

There are two wildfires currently burning within the Slave Lake Forest Area, more specifically in the Otter Lakes area.  The columns from these fires have reportedly been visible from the communities of Marten River, Little Buffalo and Cadotte Lake this evening.  Both of these fires remain out of control at this time but neither of them are threatening the above mentioned communities and they are spreading northward.  SWF 051 is 60 hectares in size and SWF 052 is 100 hectares in size at this time and firefighters and aircraft are working to get them under control this evening.  For more information on these wildfires, please visit the Slake Lake Forest Area Wildfire Hazard Update.

For information on wildfires around the province, download our free Alberta Wildfire app, subscribe to our updates or visit our website at www.wildfire.alberta.ca

Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

Wildfire Hazard

The current wildfire hazard is high, but significant rainfall is expected to pass through the area over the next 24 hours.  This rain, paired with the forecasted cooler temperatures and higher humidities will help to alleviate the wildfire hazard tomorrow and drop it down to LOW by tomorrow afternoon.  Strong winds have been forecasted for the area after noon tomorrow (NW 20 gusting to 40 km/hr).

Crews, aircraft and heavy equipment have been placed strategically throughout the Peace River Forest Area in order to be as close as possible to any new wildfire starts.  

Lightning season has begun and the potential for multiple fires starting in one day has increased.  It is very important to get your fire permits before you burn and that all wildfires are reported to 310-FIRE immediately.

Fire Restrictions

There are currently no restrictions on burning within the Peace River Forest Area.

 

For information on advisories, restrictions, fire bans and forest closures within Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

 

Help prevent wildfires

A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's been completely extinguished before you leave your site. make sure your campfire is out.

Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire. ride debris free.

 

Before you burn it, get your permit

As of March 1st, all burning activities in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, now require a fire permit. Fire permits are free and available at your local Agriculture and Forestry office.  You can call 780-624-6190 for more information or to obtain your free fire permit.

 

Changes to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act 

In fall of last year, we passed legislation to enhance wildfire prevention, to deter risky behaviour and give wildland firefighters more tools to keep Albertans and their communities safe.

• new penalties for violations such as abandoning campfires or burning during fire bans,
• and improving government’s ability to restrict higher risk activities, like fireworks and incendiary targets.

Penalties will be determined by a statutory decision-maker on a case-by-case basis.

Please visit our website for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION