Hot, dry conditions continue in most areas of the province resulting in numerous wildfires. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx
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.
For information regarding smoke from wildfires and air quality, visit Air Quality Health Index
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.
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
Northern Sunrise County has lifted an evacuation alert for some areas within the municipality.
The mandatory evacuation notice has been lifted in Northern Sunrise County. Residents are now allowed to return to their homes. Please be prepared for the fact that you may not have power at your home. Although the evacuation notice has been lifted, if the situation changes, you may be asked to evacuate again with little notice.
The road closures are also being removed, except for a section of RR 190 that has some downed power lines.
The Reception Centre at the County Administration office will remain open today until 21:00 hours. The Emergency Coordination Center will continue to operate as required, also at the Administration office.
For further information go to https://northernsunrise.net/wildfire-awareness/
There are widespread power outages in the County. ATCO crews are assessing the damages and assigning priorities. ATCO would like to caution residents to stay clear of any downed power lines, and/or ATCO crews working in the area. They will work to restore power as soon as possible.
Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous. Contacting an energized line can seriously injure or kill you. If you see a downed power line, please stay at least 10 meters away, call our Emergency outage line 1-800-668-5506 and keep everyone safe from the area.
For updated information on the power outages please refer to https://poweroutage.atco.com/map or download the ATCO app “My ATCO Electricity”.
For more safety tips to stay safe around power lines, visit https://electric.atco.com/en-ca/safety/powerline-safety.html
The State of Local Emergency continues at Northern Sunrise County.
Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
Clear Hills County has issued a Wildfire Alert and State of Local Emergency
PG80220 (Boundary Lake/Bear Canyon) BC Forestry will be sending in a team to assist with the Alberta portion of the wildfire.
GWF0018 (Peace Riverbank/Cleardale) the wildfire Fire Crews made progress on keeping the wildfire held today. Fire crews are actively preparing new guards on the east side of the fire. Fields to the north are being tilled to help to control any movement towards more populated areas.
Please refer to the map for location of the following updates:
If there is a threat of fire in your area:
- listen for updates from authorities
- be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice
- have your vehicle stocked with supplies and ready to go
Fire crews are working diligently to keep you safe.
DO NOT attempt to fight these wildfires as they are dangerous if you see a
new fire please CALL 310-FIRE (3473).
For information on the status of the Village of Hines Creek please contact the Village office @ 780-494-3690
For more information you can contact the county office at 780-685-3925 or go to: https://clearhillscounty.ab.ca/
An evacuation advisory for areas in the Municipal District of Fairview has been lifted
For more information go to https://www.mdfairview.com/
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
HELPFUL LINKS
Alberta Wildfire StatusAlberta Fire Bans
Air Quality Health Index
Alberta Emergency Alerts
511 Road Reports
Emergency Preparation