Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - November 1, 2018

Posted on Thu, Nov 01, 2018

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OFFICIAL END OF 2018 WILDFIRE SEASON 

The 2018 wildfire season officially ended on October 31st.  There have been 118 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area this fire season with a total of 5,343.08 hectares burned.

While fire season is now officially over, smart burning practices never go out of season.  Of the nearly fifty human-caused wildfires in the area this season, many were the result of fires that were not properly extinguished during the winter. When the conditions became favorable in the spring, they reignited and became wildfires. If you are going to do any burning this fall and/or winter, please take the time to read the preparation tips below.

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

2018 Wildfire Season Statistics

  

WILDFIRE DANGER

The fire danger level in the Peace River Forest Area is now MODERATE. 

PLEASE NOTE: Fire season may be over, but the forest vegetation remains dry and will ignite easily and burn readily. Please exercise caution.  

A fire left smouldering can burrow under the ground and smoulder under the snow all winter long. Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring by ensuring your fires are extinguished.

 

SAFE BURNING IS ALWAYS IN SEASON 

From October 31 - February 28, a fire permit is no longer needed to burn within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Please remember that if you ignite a fire, you are still responsible if it causes a wildfire. Below are some tips on how to prevent a wildfire while burning outside of the wildfire season.

Prepare the site:

  • Choose a location that is not on peat and build your pile at least be 25 metres away from structures and standing trees. All windrows should have breaks every 60 metres and be separated by at least 15 metres.  BURNING GUIDELINES 
  • Surround the pile with a fireguard that is at least 15 metres wide - preferably bare mineral soil.
  • Ensure the pile is clean of soil so it can burn cleanly and quickly.  When piling avoid mixing soil with the woody debris by using a brush rake or excavator.
  • Please also take into consideration the safety concerns that may arise from the smoke your burning creates.  Always ensure proper safety precautions are taken and appropriate signage is in place.  If you see smoke that is creating a safety concern on roadways, please call 310-FIRE immediately.

Safe burning practices:

  • Burn when there is snow cover, the ground is frozen and winds are light (less that 12 km/h).
  • Have someone on site monitoring the burn the entire time - if it escapes, call 310-FIRE immediately
  • Have adequate tools, water and equipment on site when burning. If you require advice on this, call the Peace River Forest Area Office at 780-624-6190.
  • Only burn what you can control with the equipment, people and weather conditions you have available.

After you burn:

  • Spread out the remaining material within the pile.
  • Soak the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced by the pile - it should be cool to the touch.
  • Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

 For more on safe winter burning practices visit our blog.


Completely extinguish all campfires

Soak it with water, stir it up and soak it again. The ashes should be cool to the touch.

 

Keep your OHV debris free

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Grass, twigs, leaves and mud can build up in the hotspots, heat up, drop off and start a wildfire. Remember to clean your machine before, during and after your ride.

 

 

 JOIN OUR TEAM

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Apply today!

Are you interested in protecting Alberta's communities?

Does team work, safety and dedication inspire you? 

Become a wildland firefighter, work with air tankers or in a warehouse - there are many possibilities and here is your chance!

Learn more about what its like to be a wildland firefighter in this video.

Application deadline is November 30, 2018. 

Visit our website to find out more and apply today!  

 

Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Or contact:

Crystal Burrows 

Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca