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.

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.

Forecast warm temperatures, low relative humidity and light northerly winds across the fire ground continues to dry out fuels. The fire is still quite active especially hotspots inside the boundary of the fire, however there hasn’t been any fire crossing the guard lines in recent days.

An American Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) is replacing the Australian IMT today. Crews from Peace River, Australia, Yukon and America continue to work along side each other putting out hotspots and reinforcing guard lines assisted by heavy machinery and aircraft.

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

Fires HWF036 and fire HWF058 are now being managed by two separate Incident Management Teams (IMT) and will no longer be called the Long Lake Complex. Fire HWF036 is named the Long Lake Fire and fire HWF058 is named the Basset Fire.

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. 

HWF058 | This fire was detected June 4, 2023. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) with an last recorded size of 23,524 hectares.

This fire saw growth yesterday with the return of the hot temperatures. This fire grew east yesterday towards the Chinchaga River. As of this morning the fire remains on the west side of the Chinchaga River. The fire also was active on the southwest corner.

Today the fire is expected to see similar fire behavior. Crews, heavy equipment and aircraft will work on the fire as long as its safe to do so.

The base camp for crews has been established at Keg River Camp, southwest of Paddle Prairie, there are plans to expand operations at Keg in the coming week.

Weather Forecast  

The forecast for today is as follows, a temperature of 27 degrees, a relative humidity of 30 percent with winds west 10 km/h. Today there is crossover conditions, this is when the temperature is higher then the humidity. These conditions will challenge firefighters and aircraft and fires are expected to see extreme fire behaviour.

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