Peace River Area Update

Peace River Forest Area Wildfire Update - March 1, 2023

Posted on Wed, Mar 01, 2023

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The fire danger for the Peace River Forest Area is LOW. 

If you see smoke or fire in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473)


PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been no new wildfires.

While wildfires in the winter are rare, they do happen. If you're burning please ensure you have the proper fire fighting equipment nearby. If you're having a campfire make sure you soak it, stir it and soak it again to ensure it's out. 


PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 9 wildfires burning a total of 2.91 ha.

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Wildfire Status page.


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WILDFIRE SEASON BEGINS MARCH 1

During wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape.

If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request yours. You’ll need a MyAlberta Digital ID to request a permit, so be sure to sign-up online at account.alberta.ca/signup first. Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local forest area office. The Peace River Forest Area can be reached by calling 780-624-6190.

Nearly all spring wildfires are started by humans. Last year, more than 60 per cent of all wildfires in the province were human caused. We all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable wildfires. Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, OHV exhaust, or agricultural burning, everyone can help reduce the risk.

Remember: before you leave a fire, make sure it is completely extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again.


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FIRE PERMITS

Fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires. 

Fire permits are one of the many prevention tools Alberta Wildfire uses to keep track of burning being done throughout the province. This ensures that when smoke is reported, we can look into our system and check whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn being done.

Fire permits are available online at firepermits.alberta.ca.


FIRESMART

Now is a great time to FireSmart your home. Managing the vegetation around your property can reduce the risk of wildfire. Thinning and pruning, removing trees like spruce and juniper and cleaning around your property are all FireSmart techniques.

FireSmart uses preventative measures to reduce the wildfire threat to homes and property while balancing the ecological benefits of wildfire. Alberta Wildfire will continue to advise and educate Albertans in order to reduce the risk of wildfire in the forest protection area.

For more information on how to FireSmart your home visit our FireSmart page.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT

Provincial Information Officer

Phone: (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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