The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) remains HIGH.

A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm is expected over the next couple of days. Firefighters will be looking for lightning holdovers this week as a return to high drying conditions are expected with temperatures rising into the weekend. 

A fire restriction is 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 71 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 7,269 hectares (ha).

PWF067 is located 18 km from the Keg River hwy at the 695 and hwy 35 intersection. This fire is estimated to be 10 hectares in size and is classified as out of control (OC). At this time, 12 firefighters and two helicopters are working on this wildfire.

PWF070 is a lightning caused fire located 21 km northeast of hawk hills. This fire is estimated to be 1.5 hectares in size. At this time, firefighters and a helicopter are assigned to this fire.

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, 47 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 587 ha. Firefighters continue to patrol this wildfire and action any hotspots found.

Check out the Clear Hills County website for a map and additional information. These wildfires have been actioned by local fire departments with help from Alberta Wildfire.  

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

SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC) and is 132,315 hectares.

SWF068 is still active and with warm, drying weather conditions forecast over the next few days, the fire could become very active, with the possibility of internal hotspots flaring up. The north east section of the fire continues to challenge fire crews, who continue to patrol for hotspots and work on lengthening and widening guard lines.

Crews continue to patrol all the whole perimeter of the fire, putting out hotspots and reinforcing guard lines.

An American Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) is replacing the Australian IMT tomorrow (Tuesday) and the Peace River and Australian firefighting crew units will be replaced with a Unit from Calgary keeping the crew numbers around one hundred and seventy. These firefighters will still be assisted by aircraft and heavy machinery.

The fire is approximately 90 per cent contained.

PWF038 is classified as Under Control (UC) and is 6,534 hectares.

Reclamation work is continuing on the PWF 038 wildfire. 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 and Peace River Forest Area Information Officer is Michelle Huley. Call her at  780-652-2410, or email to michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca.

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 | HWF036, HWF058

There are currently 257 personnel, 18 aircraft and 60 heavy equipment working across this complex of fires. The Incident Management Team continue to work closely with affected communities, first nations and industry stake holders.

BC have also observed increased activity with their three fires on the border. There are three fires burning along the BC and Alberta border.  They are in remote country with no community and are being monitored by air. The Long Lake Fire complex incident management team are in daily contact with the BC Wildfire Service.  For more information on these fires please go  BC Wildfire Service gov.bc.ca

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 km southwest of the Town of High Level. This fire is approximately 17 km northwest of the of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement boundary marker, where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. 

We saw increased activity and spreading of the fire yesterday on the NW and SW corners. However there were no large runs of fire. Today we continued with dozers and use heavy aircraft to bucket priority hot spots. 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

We continue to work closely with locals on getting access to the fireground and understanding the local environment. 

Weather Forecast  

The forecast for today is as follows, a temperature of 27 degrees, a relative humidity of 30 percent with winds NW 15km gusting to 30km. For further information and maps on smoke please go to Smoke Forecast - FireSmoke.ca

Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer

High Level Forest Area
Forestry Division, Parks & Tourism

Office:780-926-5401

Cell:780-841-9387

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. 

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. 

To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit firesmartcanada.ca or click here to watch videos. 

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