Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 12

Posted on Tue, Jul 12, 2022

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The fire danger for the Peace River Forest Area is HIGH. Please be advised a cold front is expected to bring high, gusty winds to the Peace River Forest Area. Moderate to strong SW-W winds of 25-30 km/h will be developing over the province with some gusts of 40-60 km/h in the western zones. 

Please be cautious when working or recreating in the forest area. If you see smoke or fire, call 310-FIRE (3473).

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 Lightning makes up approximately 40 per cent of wildfires each year in Alberta

  • Lightning fires are more likely during the summer months of July and August.
  • Alberta Wildfire follows weather forecasts and also tracks each lightning strike using a tracking system. This allows them to pinpoint where there are areas that have been heavily impacted by lightning. They can then send out firefighters to patrol these areas.
  • Lighting can cause wildfires, which can smoulder on the ground for a few days before becoming active and visible. This is a ‘holdover’ fire.
  • Lookout observers help report lightning strikes and report if there is precipitation with the thunderstorm.
  • Alberta Wildfire can track where lightning is but not human-caused fires. Do your part and help prevent wildfires.
  • Report a wildfire by calling 310-FIRE.

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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.

 


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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.


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FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Contact information:

Peace Wildfire Information Officer

Michelle Huley

Phone: (780) 618-2081

michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca

 

 

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