A number of area municipalities have implemented emergency measures in response to wildfires. 

For more information about Alberta Emergency Alerts, go to Alberta Emergency Alerts

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

People in the following locations are advised to be on high alert and prepared to evacuate:

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)

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

An evacuation advisory is in effect for areas in the Municipal District of Fairview

Northern Sunrise County has issued an evacuation alert for some areas within the municipality. A number of road closures are in effect due to wildfires in the area. 

Everyone residing North of TWP 810 up to North Harmon Valley Road (TWP 830) and East of RR 195 must prepare for a possible evacuation. Gather pets, important documents, and medication and enough food, water and supplies for three days. This alert will be updated if an evacuation is required.

If you have chosen to evacuate your residence, please contact Northern Sunrise County at 780-625-6154 or 780-618-6726.

We want to be sure that all of our residents, who may be affected, are safe in the event that a mandatory evacuation occurs.

ROADS ARE CLOSED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

RR 190
TWP 820 – 812
All of RR 185
TWP 814 East of RR 192
TWP 812 East of RR 192
TWP 810 East of RR 192

For further information go to https://northernsunrise.net/wildfire-awareness/

For information regarding smoke from wildfires and air quality, visit Air Quality Health Index

Wildfire Situation

Since January 1 there have been 38 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA), burning a total of 468.83 hectares (ha). 

PWF034 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be 370ha in size.  A dozer group is assigned to this wildfire and is working to build fire guards on the south and east flanks of the fire.

PWF035 and PWF036 are currently classified as Out of Control (OC). The combined size is estimated to be 5.3ha. A six-person crew and helicopter are working to control hot spots. 

PWF037 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be 001ha in size.

GWF018 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be 5,5000ha in size and is located approximately five kilometres east of Cleardale and 22 kilometres southwest of Worsley. Two dozer groups are working to build fire breaks along the south and east flanks to utilize agricultural land and wet land areas to slow the wildfire's growth. 

SW068 is estimated to be in excess of 10,000ha. Alberta Wildfire has assigned one helicopter for assessment purposes and is working with municipal partners.  

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

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. Gusting Winds and crossover conditions are 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.

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