Peace River Area Update

The fire danger for snow-free areas throughout the Peace River Forest Area is MODERATE. 

Recent warm temperatures and strong, gusty winds have caused the snow to melt in low-lying areas and fields, exposing dry grasses. These snow free areas can contain significant amounts of fine fuels such as dry grasses and small twigs and other woody material placing them at high risk for new wildfire starts. That’s why it is especially important this time of year to take extra care while working or recreating in forested areas.

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

Check Your Winter Burns

Firefighters are urging everyone who has conducted winter burning to go back and ensure the fires are out. With the dry conditions last fall and lack of moisture in the ground, there is potential for fires lit this winter to continue to burn under the snow and re-emerge as wildfires in the spring.

To prevent spring holdover wildfires revisit your brush pile or windrow burning projects to ensure the fires are extinguished.

• Spread out the remaining material.
• Soak the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced.
• Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

For information on brush pile and windrow safe burning practices click here.

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We want to know what information is important to you and how we can best deliver it. Please take the time to fill out this short survey regarding how you receive wildfire information to help ensure we are delivering the information that matters to Albertans.

Link: https://your.alberta.ca/wildfire-information-survey/survey_tools/alberta-wildfire-information

PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1 there have been four wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, burning a total of 0.26 hectares (ha). They are now extinguished.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 26 wildfires burning a total 40.57 ha.

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

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED

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.

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.

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

Peace River Wildfire Information Officer

Michelle Huley

Phone: (780) 618-2081

michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca

HELPFUL LINKS