Peace River Area Update

Due to areas of dry grasses, with forecasted wind gusts reaching up to 35 km/hour, warming temperatures and little expected precipitation, the fire danger for the Peace River Forest Area is HIGH. Caution is advised when working or recreating in the forest area. 

If you are having a campfire, remember to never leave it unattended. Before leaving, be sure to soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again.

If you plan on using an Off-highway vehicle (OHV) in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, remember to stop often and check hot spots. Debris heated by the exhaust system can inadvertently start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.

To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE(3473) toll-free from anywhere in Alberta.

A fire advisory is in effect for the Peace River Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to an abundance of dry fine fuels and expected warm temperatures. Dry grass and crops are very hazardous and will ignite easily. Use extreme caution when working and recreating outdoors.

Under this advisory:

• Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if dry conditions continue
• Fire permits will still be issued on a case-by-case basis with priority given to essential burning.

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

The fire advisory will remain in effect until fuel and weather conditions improve.

Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Since January 1 there have been 14 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA), burning a total of 66.49 hectares (ha).

Over the past two weeks, wildland firefighters have responded to a number of winter holdover and permit related fires in the PRFA. Warm temperatures and dry grasses and vegetation create a high wildfire hazard. It's easy for wildfires to start and spread. Firefighters are urging everyone to check their winter burns, and get your fire permit if doing any burning excluding campfires.

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

Check your winter burns

It's important to go back often to ensure a winter burn is completely extinguished to avoid its re-emergence 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.

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.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 164 wildfires burning a total 582.4 ha.

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

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