Residents could see increased smoke coming from the Battle Complex today.
Firefighters intend to use aerial ignition – just one of the many tools we have to fight wildfires - on the west side of the fire, south of the Hotchkiss River around midday today.
Aerial ignition is used to remove potential fuel between the perimeter of the wildfire and a fireguard - such as a road, river, dozer guard or lake. The first priority with any planned burning is safety – the safety of firefighters, public, equipment, and adjacent values at risk.
In addition to safety, we analyze topography, fuel load, and the potential for fire behaviour. Most often, wind speed and direction are influential factors, but relative humidity, and temperatures are also key in determining when and where aerial ignition takes place. All these considerations are used to create a strategic plan for aerial ignition operations.
The overall objectives for the operation are to enhance community safety and the effectiveness of our firefighting efforts by removing unburned vegetation between the guard and the wildfire.
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 9, 2019 at 11 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 three.
WILDFIRES OF NOTE:
Battle Complex:
PCX-001 (formerly PWF 052 and 054):
This lightning caused fire remains out of control at 54,255 hectares in size in the Manning/Notikewin area
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Firefighters were able to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and made good progress again yesterday. There are still lots of pockets of heat throughout the fire. Crews have been positioned in strategic locations along the perimeter to continue suppression.
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Preparation is being made to burn out pockets of fuel. The goal is to remove the volatile fuels now before the weather turns next week so that once fire behaviour does increase the most vulnerable locations are solidified.
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Residents in the area should expect to see a significant increase in smoke volume on the west flank of the fire. The intent is to burn off a large pocket of black spruce south of the Hotchkiss River as spruce is prone to significant fire behaviour.
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. Firefighters and aircraft are continuing to work towards extinguishing this fire and do not expect the perimeter to grow beyond the current boundaries.
PWF 074 was discovered on the eastern side of the Peace River by Notikewin Provincial Park. It is now being held at 0.30 hectares in size. Firefighters and aircraft are working to control 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.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
FIRE WEATHER
Today’s forecast (Sunday) has maximum temperatures of 17 degrees Celsius, relative humidity levels of 30-35%, and winds from the west at 15 km/hr. Some light rain may pass through the area. A drying trend will continue with gradual warming into the start of the week.
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 5 km 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.
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)