The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Peace River Forest Area. RED FLAG WEATHER WARNING is now in effect.
Another day with clear skies coupled with rising temperatures made for an active day for firefighters on the Battle Complex.
There was one new start northwest of the Keg River fire tower that was 70 hectares (ha) Sunday evening. Two dozer groups, two tanker groups, three crews and three helicopters assigned to this fire.
The size of the PWF 52 as of 1800 hours May 26, 2019 is approximately 22,422 ha.
Highway 35 north of Manning and the Chin Road will be affected by heavy smoke from this fire as the winds shift.
No change on Chin Road access; portions of which remain closed from 9 a.m. to midnight. Anyone entering the area will have to check in and out with staff responsible for the closure.
We are experiencing extreme wildfire weather. The forest area is extremely dry. Any fires that start will spread quickly and be very difficult to contain.
We remain under a RED FLAG WEATHER WARNING. This means a weather event tomorrow could pose a critical degree of danger to fireline personnel and the public. Tomorrow’s deep crossover position (temp higher than humidity) and winds mean fire behavior will be drastically impacted by the weather. There is potential for significant growth on the fire tomorrow.
FIRE BAN and QUAD RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
Due to extreme wildfire danger from dry grass and weather indicators, a Fire Ban and Quad Restriction is now in effect for the Peace River Forest Area and most of northern Alberta. Visit albertafirebans.ca for more information.
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.
To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV Restriction visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Many nearby municipalities have advisories, restrictions or firebans in place. Please check www.albertafirebans.ca for more information.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
There have been 70 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area this fire season, and each of these wildfires has now been extinguished with the exception of those below:
WILDFIRES OF NOTE: (update as of 1800 hours Sunday)
Battle Complex (Notikewin and Battle River wildfires):
Current size: 22,422 ha
The photos below:
(Top) Warmer temperatures dry conditions combine for an active day on PWF 052.
(Right) Heavy equipment operators take a moment for a quick photo before heading out on the line to reinforce fire breaks on PWF 052.
PWF 052 remains out of control in the Notikewin Area.
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- This fire is located roughly 10 kilometres northwest of the town of Manning.
- The fire that crossed an established guard on Saturday evening moving eastward south of the Hotchkiss River saw little growth on Sunday and dozers worked on building a fire break around the excursion to contain further growth.
- Fire activity increased on the southwest, mid-west and northwest portions of the fire today. Ignitions are underway on the southwest portion of the fire and ground crews are being support by air tankers. This ignition will help to create a safer and more workable perimeter for ground crews.
- Resources continue to be focused on the north and east portions of the fire in advance of wind that are forecast to shift. Wind speed and direction will play a significant role in fire activity over the next few days.
- Monday's forecast is for a high of 27 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of 20 per cent. Winds will be variable at 10-15 kilometers per hour (kph).
- Warm temperatures with low relative humidity are forecast to persist through the middle of the week.
- There are more than 250 firefighters assigned to this wildfire. We have crews from Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. It was the first full day on the incident for the new Overhead team (responsible for management of the incident) from British Columbia.
- In terms of equipment, there are three airtanker groups, 23 helicopters and 65 pieces of heavy equipment working this fire.
- PWF 054 remains being held at 74 hectares in size in the Battle River area. This fire is on patrol status.
Tomorrow is a RED FLAG WARNING day. This means a weather event tomorrow is expected that could pose a critical degree of danger to fireline personnel and the public. Tomorrow’s deep crossover position (temp higher than humidity) and winds mean fire behavior will be drastically impacted by the weather.
Tomorrow is going to be another significant day for the Battle Complex. Safety of our firefighters and the public is of paramount importance. When and if the head of the fire becomes too intense to work on, we will redirect crews and equipment to safer areas, while we continue to work on areas of the fire that need strengthening in anticipation of west winds next weekend.
For updates on efforts being taken by municipal fire fighters to provide structural protection and emergency preparedness information, please visit the County of Northern Lights website.
OTHER WILDFIRES IN THE AREA:
- PWF 070 is currently 70 ha and is listed as out-of-control.
For your safety and the safety of the numerous firefighters working to contain these wildfires, please 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 PERMITS SUSPENDED
Fire permits have been suspended, effective 1800 hours, May 16.
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 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:
Derrick Forsythe
Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 288-7932
derrick.forsythe@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)