Peace River Area Update

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

Due to increasing fire hazard and hot 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.

 The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Wildfire Situation

Photo: A helicopter drops a bucket of water on PWF059 July 28. The wildfire is located approximately 23 kilometres northwest of Worsley, and was detected July 27. It is currently Being Held (BH).  

Lightning sparked a number of wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area on July 28, 2022. 

There were 44 wildland firefighters and seven helicopters deployed to respond to these wildfires.

PWF061 (BH) and PW 062 (Under Control) are located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Worsley and are each less than two hectares in size. 

PWF063 (BH) and PWF064 (BH) are approximately 35 kilometers east of Worsley. PWF063 is assessed at 20 hectares in size.

PWF065 (BH) is approximately 7 hectares in size. PWF066 (BH) is less than one hectare in size. Both are located 34 to 40 kilometres north of Fairview.

PWF067 (UC) is located 25 kilometres Northeast of Dixonville. It is less than one hectare in size. 

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA), there have been 67wildfires.

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

READY TO RESPOND

Lookout towers in the area are on alert and firefighters are prepositioned around the Peace River Forest Area ready to respond to any new wildfires.

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