The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is HIGH. A fire restriction remails in effect for the PRFA. All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited. Please visit AlbertaFiresbans.ca for more information. 

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 61 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 6,840.56 hectares (ha).

PWF061 is located 75km southwest of Keg River. This fire is estimated to be 12 hectares in size and is classified as being held (BH). At this time, firefighters and a helicopter are working on this wildfire.

PWF062 is located 55km northeast of manning. This lightning caused fire is estimated to be 0.01 hectares in size. 

The forecast for today is as follows, a temperature of 25 degrees, a relative humidity of 25 percent with winds S/SW 15 – 20km. An increased chance of lightning caused fires are expected. For further information and maps on smoke please go to Smoke Forecast - FireSmoke.ca

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.

Wildland firefighters continue working to bring this wildfire under control. Today, 46 firefighters are using helicopters with buckets and water trucks as well as heavy equipment to maintain and hold containment lines.

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 587ha. Firefighters continue to patrol this wildfire and action any hotspots found.

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.

The Kimiwan Complex Fire

SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC) and is 131,941 hectares.

PWF038 is classified as Under Control (UC) and is 12,332 hectares.

Fire behaviour on the Kimiwan Complex is expected to be HIGH today.

Fire crews from Alberta, Yukon, Australia and America assisted by aircraft and heavy machinery, continue to work on the perimeter of the fire to reinforce guard lines and suppress hotspots.

PWF 038 begun reclamation on this wildfire yesterday. Alberta Forestry and Parks, in its mandate to prevent and suppress wildfires within the province is required to reclaim disturbed forest land caused by wildfire suppression operations.  Wildfire reclamation is required to prevent or reduce the potential of soil erosion and ensure soil stabilization on or near the fire line.

A reminder to community members to please not drive 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

The Long Lake Complex

There are currently 340 personnel, 17 aircraft and 60 heavy equipment working across this complex of fires.  

HWF036  this fire was detected on May 3, 2023, and is classified as Out of Control (OC) with a last recorded size of 165,400 hectares. Currently, 45 percent of the fire line is contained and being held. 

Today warmer weather may trigger more fire activity within the perimeter.  The temperature will rise throughout the week. The fire has been active on the west and northern borders along the Hay River, moving toward the BC border. Firefighters are monitoring the fire by air, vegetation inside the perimeter continues to burn and hotspots are being detected along the perimeter. 

Please coordinate all requests through the Industry Liaison, Kevin Kuhn k.kuhn@mistikenvironmental.com

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.

Yesterday we saw columns of smoke and increased activity, however there was no significant growth of the fire. Th next infrared scan will confirm the new perimeter of the fire, this is expected later today.  Yesterday, air tankers were used to drop on the eastern side of the fire to prevent further spread.

Dozers continue to work on the western edge of the fire along the easement and the southwest corner. Crews are also burning out the section in between the dozer guard and the edge of the fire.  Evacuation trigger maps have been developed with the local community and todays increased fire activity does not see the fire hitting the 72-hour trigger line today.

For more information please visit the High Level Forest Area Update.

 

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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. 

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

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

HELPFUL LINKS