The Fire Danger in the Peace River Forest Area is EXTREME. A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction is in effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Peace River Forest Area.  

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.

A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area due to extreme fire danger.

Under this fire ban:

• All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
• No new Fire Permits will be issued

Prohibited:

• All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
• Backyard firepits
• BBQ charcoal briquettes
• The use of fireworks and exploding targets
• The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

• Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
• Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
• Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
• All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
• Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
• Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
• Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

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

Clear Hills County has issued a Wildfire Alert and State of Local Emergency

If you are located in any of the following locations:

The wildfire is moving rapidly due to the strong winds and is unpredictable. Be on high alert and prepared.

Range Road 84 and the Clear River on the North side of Hwy 64.

Range Road 131 south to Township Road 842

Range Road 101 west on Township 874 (Clear Prairie Road)

Range Road 93 west on Township 864 (Worsley Area)

Range Road 84 – 93 on Township Road 84 (Cleardale area)

Range Road 51 West Township 844 (Montney Area)

Range Road 20 west on Township 841 (Whitelaw Area)

Range Road 14 west on Township 830 (Whitelaw Area)

Range Road 62 – Range Road 63 Township 872 (Eureka River Area)

DO NOT attempt to fight these wildfires as they are dangerous

CALL 310-FIRE (3473)

Due to the multiple wildfires resources are limited and your safety is our main concern!

Clear Hills County has declared a local state of emergency due to the multiple wildfires throughout the County.

It is advised to be prepared to evacuate if you are in an area with a wildfire. Collect important papers, documents & medications etc.

Please do not try and fight any wildfire on your own as it is unsafe!

Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report any new fires.

Please be alert and watch for updates as we keep you posted.

For more information you can contact the county office at 780-685-3925 or go to: https://clearhillscounty.ab.ca/

Since January 1 there have been 36 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA), burning a total of 467.82 hectares (ha). 

PWF034 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be 370ha in size.  

PWF035 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be .3ha in size.

PWF036 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be 5.0ha in size.

GWF018 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be 2,000ha in size and has now crossed over the Peace River into the PRFA.

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

Use Caution When Working or Recreating

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. 

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.

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