Peace River Area Update

The Fire Danger in the Peace River Forest Area is EXTREME. A Fire Restriction remains in effect.

Temperatures remain above average with low relative humidity and a possibility of wind gusts of up to 45 kilometers per hour. Crossover conditions are also expected. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behaviour.

Since January 1 there have been 27 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA), burning a total of 90.36 hectares (ha).

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in effect for the Peace River Forest Area due to very high fire hazard. 

Under this restriction:

• Existing fire permits are suspended. Permits for essential agricultural burning may be considered with written authorization from a forest officer.

• Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.

Prohibited:

• All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.

Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) on private lands and in provincial campgrounds.
• Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
• Propane/ natural gas powered appliances.
• Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
• Cooking, warming and lighting devices – all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Please visit albertafirebans.ca to see a map of the areas covered under this Fire Restriction.

Use Caution When Working or Recreating

At this time, fine fuels are critically dry and very receptive to fire. Crossover conditions are also expected today. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behaviour.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. 

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.

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 284 wildfires burning a total 1017.1 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