Hot, dry weather conditions have increased the fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in grassy areas and to report smoke or fire in the forest by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

When enjoying the outdoors this weekend – remember to do your part to prevent wildfires. Campfires account for the highest percentage of human-caused wildfires. Human-caused wildfires are 100% preventable.

PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Peace River Forest Area is now VERY HIGH. View the Alberta Fire Danger map here. 

Peace River Forest Area has deployed a number of resources in order to be best prepared for any new wildfires. Wildfire firefighters are strategically prepositioned to respond to any fires that may occur, and observers at lookout towers are on alert. 

Wildfires are detected in a variety of ways from remote cameras to lookout tower observers and patrols to calls from industry and members of the public. If you see a wildfire or smoke, call 310-FIRE (310-4873) and be prepared to give the location and a brief description of what you are seeing. View the status of Peace River and other Alberta wildfires on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

A fire advisory is in effect for the Peace River Forest Area

Due to increasing fire hazard and forecasted weather, a fire advisory has been put in place. All active fire permits remain valid unless otherwise directed by a Forest Officer. New permit requests will be evaluated based on essential burning needs.

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.

Allowed: 

• Safe wood campfires *
• Backyard fire pits
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

 *Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

• be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
•  have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
• have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
• Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

 Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure iit is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

 The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

CAMPFIRES AND FIRE SAFETY

Planning on heading out to do some camping this weekend? Any time people are out in the Forest Protection Area, we urge caution when working and recreating.

If you are camping in a provincial or national park, check the rules and guidelines and be sure to follow them for your safety and the safety of other campers. If you are camping in an area where safe campfires are permitted, remember to never leave your campfire unattended. Before leaving, be sure to soak it, stir it and soak it again.

• Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during long weekends. Last year 67 per cent of wildfires were human-caused. We all have a role to play in preventing them.
• As there is very little lightning in the spring, almost all spring wildfires are human-caused and completely preventable. Dead and dry grass, twigs, leaves and branches provide fuel for fast-moving grassfires, making the prevention of wildfire especially important.
• One of our busiest days in Alberta last year was during the May long weekend – we responded to 38 wildfires in 24 hours. They were all human-caused! Help prevent wildfires this weekend by properly extinguishing your campfire: soak it, stir it and soak it again.
• When enjoying the outdoors this long weekend – remember to do your part to prevent wildfires. Campfires account for the highest percentage of human-caused wildfires. Human-caused wildfires are 100% preventable.
• For tips on how to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable campfire experience, visit our website: https://wildfire.alberta.ca/prevention/campfire-safety.aspx.
• When firefighters are sent to extinguish abandoned campfires, they are taken from fighting other wildfires which could threaten homes or communities.
• Remember to check albertafirebans.ca for fire advisories, bans or restrictions in your area or destination. If you are camping in a provincial or national park, check the rules and guidelines and be sure to follow them for your safety and the safety of other campers.
• If you see smoke or fire in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473) toll free within Alberta.

DOWNLOAD THE ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP

Alberta Wildfire is a free app for Android and iOS that provides wildfire information and locations across the forested areas of Alberta. The app keeps you updated on Alberta’s wildfire situation, and what is happening in local areas. One great feature of the app is the quick access to all ten forest areas’ wildfire hazard updates. Those updates provide information about the current wildfire situation in the local area. The app is updated the instant those updates are created.

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

FOR MORE INFORMATION