The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) remains HIGH.
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. For further information and maps on smoke please go to Smoke Forecast - FireSmoke.ca
To see the forecasted fire danger, click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM
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.
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.
Weather
Forecast hot, dry weather for the next few days will continue to contribute to increased fire activity. Highs of 26C are expected tomorrow, with weekend highs of up to 33C. Relative humidity tomorrow is forecast to be 30 to 35 per cent, dropping to 20 to 30 per cent over the weekend. Crossover conditions are expected for Saturday and Sunday.
Crossover conditions occur when rising temperatures are higher than the relative humidity. This can create the potential for extreme fire behaviour.
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1, there have been 89 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 14,355.41 hectares (ha).
PWF082 was discovered on June 30. It is approximately 4,690 hectares in size and classified as out of control (OC). It is located south of Chinchaga Wildland Provincial Park. Air tankers will be laying retardant on the fire's east flank to reduce the potential for spread. Operational plans for this wildfire as in development.
PWF074 was discovered June 28 and is estimated to be 93 hectares in size. It is located approximately two kilometers northwest of Little Buffalo and is classified as out of control (OC). There are 60 firefighters, three helicopters, and heavy equipment working on this fire to maintain containment lines, with 100 per cent of the dozer guard completed. Firefighters are working to put out spot fires and extinguish the fire's interior. Preventative structural protection is in place for threatened structures.
The community of Little Buffalo has been evacuated by the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council. For information, residents can call Joe Auger at 780-625-1503, or visit Northern Sunrise County
GWF018 is currently classified as being held (BH). It is now estimated to be 49,327 ha in size. Firefighters and helicopters continue to action and monitor the area. Islands within the interior of the fire perimeter continue to show active fire behaviour, however they are not threatening guards and do not pose a threat of fire escape.
PWF034 is located approximately 21 kilometers east and northeast of Worsley and 21 kilometers North of Cleardale. It is classified as under control (UC) 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.
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.
The Kimiwan Complex
Fire behaviour on the Kimiwan Complex is expected to be HIGH.
Australian Capital Territory parks and conservation firefighter David Nicolson calling in bombing support.
SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC) and is 138,113 hectares.
Warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity have resulted in a drying trend and increased fire activity. This wildfire has been very active today and increased activity is expected Friday and through the weekend with rising temperatures and possible crossover conditions.
Firefighters continue to prioritize containment lines in areas of potential concern on the wildfire's northern flank, and southern tip, continuing with patrols near communities and infrastructure. Heavy equipment is being utilized across the fire, with dozer lines being followed up with ground crews to reduce possible future flare ups. There are currently 265 firefighters and support personnel on this fire.
An American Incident Management Team (IMT) is now managing this wildfire. Crews from Peace River, Australia, Yukon, the U.S. and South Africa continue to work alongside each other. There are 279 firefighters and support personnel assigned to SWF068.
The American IMT was brought to Alberta through the Northwest Compact, a fire protection agreement created in 1998 for the purpose of promoting effective prevention, presuppression, suppression and control of forest fires in the Northwest wildland region of the
United States and Western areas of Canada. Members are the states of Alaska, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon; the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories.
PWF038 is classified as Under Control (UC) and is 6,533 hectares.
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 BASSET FIRE | HWF058, PWF067, PWF079 |
This fire is being managed by an Incident Management Team.
For more information please visit the High Level Forest Area Update.
Colby Lachance
Wildfire Information Officer| Alberta Wildfire
Basset Wildfire (HWF058)
Ministry of Forestry and Parks
Government of Alberta
Cell: 780-404-9186
wf.hwf0582023-iof.i@gov.ab.ca (Basset Email)
colby.lachance@gov.ab.ca (Lac La Biche Email)
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.
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
Michelle Huley
Wildfire Information Officer, Peace River Forest Area
780-618-2081
Michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca
HELPFUL LINKS
Alberta Wildfire StatusAlberta Fire Bans
Air Quality Health Index
Alberta Emergency Alerts
511 Road Reports
Emergency Preparation