Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Wildfire Update - Aug. 23

Posted on Tue, Aug 23, 2022

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The fire danger for the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is VERY HIGH. 

Wildfire Situation

There are currently three wildfires classified as Under Control, in the PRFA, and 95 wildfires in the forest area to date this year. Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 939 wildfires.  

We are expecting hot weather to continue throughout the PRFA and are preparing for increased fire activity due to the forecasted weather conditions. Our crews are positioned strategically throughout the PRFA to respond to any new fire starts.

We ask Albertans to be extremely cautious if they are spending time in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Remember to check albertafirebans.ca for fire advisories, bans or restrictions in your area or destination.

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit Wildfire Status | AAF - Agriculture and Forestry (alberta.ca). 

 

Smoky Conditions

Smoke from wildfires in Alberta and other parts of Canada has drifted into the Slave Lake Forest Area. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811.Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.


CAMPFIRES AND FIRE SAFETY

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

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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.

  • Last year 67 per cent of wildfires were human-caused. We all have a role to play in preventing them.
  • Help prevent wildfires by properly extinguishing your campfire: soak it, stir it and soak it again.
  • When enjoying the outdoors 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.
  • If you see smoke or fire in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473) toll-free within Alberta.

Fire Permit Online

A fire permit is required in the FPA during wildfire season for all burning excluding campfires

Fire permits are issued by Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development (AFRED) to track burning across the province. This helps us to determine if smoke is a wildfire or permitted burning.

Each permit is unique and outlines the restrictions and conditions for your burn including location, wind speed, time and date of burn and any suppression tools required. Permits for burning are free and can be obtained at any AFRED office. Local offices can restrict issues permitting in cases of extreme wildfire hazard.

 


FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Contact information:

Peace Wildfire Information Officer

Michelle Huley

Phone: (780) 618-2081

michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca

 

 

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