Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Wildfire Update - Aug. 31

Posted on Wed, Aug 31, 2022

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The fire danger for the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is HIGH. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under dry and windy conditions, a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

We ask Albertans to be extremely cautious if they are spending time in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta this upcoming long weekend. While it may feel like summer is coming to an end, wildfire season doesn’t officially end until October 31. Wildfires can start any time of year if the conditions are right. Please use caution in the forested areas if you are out this long weekend.

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A fire advisory is in effect for the Peace River Forest Area. Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, a fire advisory is now in effect for the Peace River Forest Area.

 Prohibited:

  • Without a valid fire permit, any burning 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:

  1.  be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
  2. have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
  3. 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
  4. 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 it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

 The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 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). 

 


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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