Peace River Area Update

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

Check your Winter Burns

Warm temperatures and dry grasses and vegetation create a high wildfire hazard. It's easy for wildfires to start and spread. It's important to go back often to ensure a winter burn is completely extinguished to avoid its reemergence as an active wildfire. A recent wildfire in the Peace River Forest Area was determined to have been caused by an unchecked winter burn.    

Warm temperatures and strong, gusty winds have caused the snow to melt in fields and has exposed  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.

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.

PEACE RIVER FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1 there have been nine wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, burning a total of 67.17 hectares (ha). 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 91 wildfires burning a total 207.45 ha.

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

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

Alberta Wildfire is looking for your input!

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

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