Peace River Area Update

The fire danger for the Peace River Forest Area is HIGH. There have been 57 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, and 683 provincially, this year to date. Smoke in the area is the result of smoke from wildfires in the Northwest Territories moving into Alberta from an approaching low pressure system. Thank you to all the people who've called to report it.

For more information about Wildfire smoke and your health, please visit: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/wildfire-smoke-health.aspx

 If you have chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or another health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information, call Health Link at 811.

Due to increasing fire hazard and forecasted hot and dry 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.

Prohibited:

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 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.

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.

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