The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is MODERATE. While some regions of the PRFA received precipitation over the past few days, some areas did not, and the amounts received varied considerably. We appreciate your patience and continued cooperation as we assess the fire conditions and the forecasted weather. A fire restriction remains in effect for the PRFA.
To see the forecasted fire danger click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM
Initial attack crews are put on standby to action any new wildfire starts, especially when the fire danger increases. Visit our Wildfire Dashboard to view active wildfires and their stats.
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1, there have been 57 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 6,840.16 hectares (ha).
We ask residents to be extra cautious near burnt areas and to avoid venturing into forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire as they can present other hazards such as falling trees, as a result of root systems being compromised by fire. Deep ash pits and burning peat are also dangerous.
GWF018 is currently classified as Being Held (BH). It is now estimated to be 49,327 ha in size. Containment lines are holding, and wildland firefighters are actively working the northeast corner today.
The Kimiwan Complex Fire
SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC) and is 131,941 hectares.
SWF038 is classified as Under Control (UC) and is 12,332 hectares.
Crew members wait for a helicopter to land.
Fire behaviour on the Kimiwan Complex is expected to be moderate today.
The Incident Management Team is using drone technology to identifying areas of hotspots in and around wildfires SWF068 and SWF038. This information will assist the team to plan future operations to contain the fire and allow crews to pinpoint hotspots.
Yesterday, the northerly winds caused increased fire activity along the south eastern perimeter of the fire which were successfully managed by fire crews assisted with helicopters with buckets.
Strong north easterly winds gusting to 40 kilometres an hour are forecast for this afternoon which may again lead to fire spread. Fire crews assisted with heavy machinery and aircraft continue to put out hotspots and strengthen guard lines.
We are still asking community members to refrain from driving on Seal Lake Road west of the intersection with Range Road 190.
The Kimiwan Complex Information Officer is Carmel Henderson at 780-652-2410.
For more information about wildfire in or near municipalities impacted by SWF068, please go to Northern Sunrise County or the MD of Smoky River
HWF058 | This fire was detected June 4, 2023. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) with an estimated size of 21,356 hectares.
This fire is located approximately 72 kilometers southwest of the Town of High Level and approximately 17 kilometers northwest of the of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement boundary marker, where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. Evacuation trigger maps have been developed with the local community.
This fire is now being managed by the Incident Management Team (IMT) on the Long Lake fire and is now called the Long Lake Complex.
There will be limited fire activity today due to the milder weather conditions however we expect that the fire will see some growth on Monday when winds increase. Evacuation trigger maps have been developed with the local community. We continue to work closely with locals on getting access to the fireground and understanding the local environment. Equipment and dozers have been activated to access the fire from the north and south. A base camp for crews has been established at Keg River Camp, southwest of Paddle Prairie.For more information please visit the High Level Forest Area Update.
PWF-034 is located approximately 21 kilometers east and northeast of Worsley, and 21 kilometers North of Cleardale. It is classified as being held at 433 ha. Firefighters continue to patrol this wildfire. Crews were working to put out hotspots yesterday and will be again doing so today.
Continue to stay informed by subscribing to Alberta Wildfire updates by entering your email. To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Wildfire Status page.
Caution is advised when travelling on area highways due to smoke conditions, especially in low lying areas. For road closures, visit 511 Alberta.
All wildfires in Alberta are investigated and these wildfires remain under investigation. To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.
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Stay away from active wildfire areas For your safety and to ensure firefighters can do their job safely, please stay away from active wildfire areas. Your cooperation is essential.
Dangerous trees Be extra cautious near burnt areas and avoid forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire. Hazards remain from falling trees or branches, especially if windy, deep ash pits and burning peat.
Reporting wildfires Please do not report smoke or flame from within an active wildfire area. Firefighters are diverted from essential tasks to respond to fires reported by the public. You may see smoke or flame within the existing boundary of a wildfire, this is normal.
Smoke Lingering smoke may still be visible in some areas and in affected communities. Smoke inversions can trap air near the ground causing dangerous driving conditions and poor air quality. Please use extra caution when driving in smoky conditions, and take necessary precautions if you have smoke-related health concerns.
Drones The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
- Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
- Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
- All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
Be advised that Alberta Parks has it's own set of fire ban levels, please visit their website for more information.
A number of area municipalities have implemented emergency measures in response to wildfires.
For more information about Alberta Emergency Alerts, go to Alberta Emergency Alerts
FireSmart Begins at Home
Using FireSmart principles is becoming a way of life for many communities in North America. With so many neighborhoods threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes, cabins and properties.
We strongly encourage those with homes, cabins and other structures to FireSmart their properties to limit the impacts of a potential wildfire reaching your door step. To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit firesmartcanada.ca or click here to watch videos. FireSmart Canada also has a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart. Click here to learn more.
For those that have farm or acreages, this publication may be helpful to keep you FireSmart. Click on the link for the Farm and Acreage FireSmart Magazine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you.
- You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca
CONTACT
Wildfire Information Officer Kelly Burke, on behalf of Michelle Huley
Phone: 1-866-394-3473
HELPFUL LINKS
Alberta Wildfire StatusAlberta Fire Bans
Air Quality Health Index
Alberta Emergency Alerts
511 Road Reports
Emergency Preparation