Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Update - July 18, 2023

Posted on Tue, Jul 18, 2023

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

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.

Wildfire Situation 

Since January 1, there have been 107 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a  total of 20,611.86 hectares (ha).

PWF103 was discovered July 16. It is currently classified as out of control (OC) at at estimated 100 hectares. 

PWF094 was discovered July 10 and is estimated to be 1.62 hectares in size. It is classified as being held (BH). 

PWF091 was discovered July 8. It is classified as out of control (OC) at 184.7 hectares. Two helicopters are bucketing water on this fire, and a 20-person crew of Australian firefighters is now working on this fire.  

PWF093 was discovered July 8. It is classified as out of control (OC) at 538 hectares.  

PWF090 was discovered July 6 and is estimated to be 49 hectares in size. It is currently classified as being held (BH). 

PWF082 was discovered on June 30. It is approximately 7,104.5 hectares in size and classified as out of control (OC). It is located south of Chinchaga Wildland Provincial Park. Operational plans for this wildfire are in development and the fire is being monitored. 

PWF074 was discovered June 28 and is estimated to be 101 hectares in size. It is located approximately two kilometers northwest of Little Buffalo and is classified as being held (BH).  Firefighters are working to put out spot fires and extinguish the fire's interior. Some flaring in the fire's interior is being bucketed with water by helicopters. Preventative structural protection is in place for threatened structures. It is currently 100 per cent contained. Residents are asked to be cautious of ongoing firefighting activities. 

GWF018 is currently classified as being held (BH). It is now estimated to be 49,327 ha in size. Firefighters and helicopters continue to work on this wildfire and monitor the area. Pockets of vegetation within the interior of the fire perimeter continue to show active fire behaviour, however they are not likely to escape the containment lines.

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 work on 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.

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

SWF068 Kimiwan Complex fire is currently 143,039 hectares in size with a perimeter of 619 kilometers and is classified as Out of Control (OC)

Cooler temperatures, increased relative humidity and the chance of rainfall has resulted in decreased fire behaviour across the fire ground. There are still a number of hotspots and areas at risk of flare ups so the community should remain vigilant.

Firefighters continue with suppression strategies and containment consolidation utilizing heavy equipment and aircraft to support ground crew where safe to do so.

This fire is being managed by an Incident Management Team. A crew of 35 Australians have arrived including 20 crew, 12 support and four specialist positions. They have integrated into the existing teams. A ground crew of 80 South Africans that have been undertaking fire suppression have departed the incident today.

PWF038 is classified as Under Control (UC) and is 6,533 hectares.

Kimiwan Information Officer is Elise Goodin. She can be reached at 780-652-2410 or email wf.pcx0012023-iof.i@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.

wf.hwf0582023-iof.i@gov.ab.ca (Basset 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. 


Fire Restriction wide
 
A fire restriction remains in effect within the Forest Protection Area in the Peace River Forest Area. You can view the FACTSHEET.

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 is also prohibited.

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
 
We encourage the public and industry to download the AB Fire Bans app or v isit www.albertafirebans.ca to learn more about prohibited and allowed actives under these bans and restriction. **If you are looking for information regarding crown land, click on the area you plan to visit and not the nearest town.

Be advised that Alberta Parks has it's own set of fire ban levels, please visit their website for more information.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. To view the Alberta Wildfire Fire Ban video, click here. 

Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta, smoky conditions will persist in communities and along highways. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling, check 511.Alberta.ca for the latest road conditions or closures. Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

FireSmartCanada_Logo

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


CONTACT

Provincial Information Officer

Wildfire Information Officer

780-420-1968

wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

 

HELPFUL LINKS

Alberta Wildfire Status
Alberta Fire Bans
Air Quality Health Index
Alberta Emergency Alerts
511 Road Reports
Emergency Preparation
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