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
While we always appreciate people calling in to report wildfires, the large volume of calls we are currently receiving is diverting our resources away from other essential tasks. You can always visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from, and as always, please still call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flame that looks new and potentially unreported, but assume that larger columns of smoke have already been detected. Thank you!
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.
A fire ban and OHV restriction remains in effect. Firefighters urge everyone to continue using caution and to report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
For information regarding smoke from wildfires and air quality, visit Air Quality Health Index
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1 there have been 42 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA), burning a total of 6687.53 hectares (ha).
GWF018 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be 10,508 ha in size. It is located approximately five kilometres east of Cleardale and 22 kilometres southwest of Worsley. Dozer groups and wildland firefighters assisted by air tankers and helicopters are working to build fire breaks along the south and west flanks to utilize agricultural land and wetland areas to slow the wildfire's growth. While the wildfire is generating considerable smoke in the Peace River valley, there is reduced fire activity on all flanks.
PWF034 is currently classified as Being Held (BH). It is estimated to be 433ha in size. The wildfire has not grown since May 8, but increased visibility allowed for another assessment. Wildland firefighters and heavy equipment have completed a boundary around the fire, which is being monitored by firefighters and helicopter support.
PWF038 is s currently classified as Out of Control (OC) and located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Three Creeks and 20 kilometres southwest of Simon Lakes. It is estimated to be approximately 6,207 ha in size and has crossed the East Haul Road. Wildland firefighters, heavy equipment, helicopters and air tankers are being utilized for this wildfire, and fire retardant has been dropped to prevent continued growth on the fire's west flank. Precipitation and cooler temperatures have allowed firefighters to gain significant progress in establishing fire guards.
SWF068 is a provincial Wildfire of Note and is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). Peace River Forest Area will be taking over control of this fire. It is estimated to be approximately 38,716 ha in size. Three helicopters, an equipment group and a unit crew are working to build a fireguard form the head of the fire down the north and south flanks.
PWF025, PWF031, PWF028, PWF030 Are Under Control (UC).
PWF032, PWF027, PWF29 are Being Held (BH).
PWF026, PWF017, PWF012. PWF020, PWF008 are turned over.
None of the above wildfires are a threat to the Town of Peace River at this time. Continue to stay informed by subscribing to Alberta Wildfire updates by entering your email. To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Wildfire Status page.
For road closures, visit 511 Alberta.
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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.
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