Since January 1, there have been 49 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 6,837.47 hectares (ha).

The Kimiwan Complex Wildfire PCX001 (SWF068 and PWF038) - SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC). The current fire size is 120,416 ha and is currently 55 per cent contained. As expected, there has been fire growth due to high temperatures and wind. Today, we experienced winds blowing towards the east at approximately 30 km/hour, with wind gusts up to 50 km/hour in the boreal. For tomorrow, winds will be blowing towards the northwest 15 km/hr gusting up to 30 km/hour.

Today, under the dry and windy conditions the wildfire is experiencing increased activity on the east flank. Airtankers were working on the area of growth and this evening firefighters will be conducting hand ignition south and east of Seal Lake. Smoke from SWF068 will continue to be visible to communities to the north and northeast of the wildfire. 

Firefighters continue to work in the north end and east flank of the wildfire extinguishing hotspots and seeking opportunities for heavy equipment access. Air operations enables increased support for heavy equipment groups, which continue to build fire guard around the fire excursion on the west side of the fire, north of the Town of McLennan, on the southern end of the fire, north of Peavine Metis Settlement, at the fire's eastern flank, and the northern end. Air operations is now also able to conduct heat scans of both fires, which helps firefighters identify hot spots for direct or indirect attack. Work to link dozer guards on the east flank from the south and north is continuing. Resources on the fire include 41 pieces of heavy equipment, multiple helicopters, 65 unit crew, four helitack crew, 32 firetack members, and 35 other single resource firefighters. Airtankers are also available as needed.

The interior of active wildfires can flare up as previously unburnt vegetation catches fire. This is a normal occurrence. 

For more information about wildfire in or near municipalities impacted by SWF068, please go to Northern Sunrise County or the MD of Smoky River

PWF038 is now classified as Being Held (BH) and 100 per cent contained.  

A 50-person Incident Management Team is now in place in The Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) and has taken over management of the Kimiwan Complex which includes both (SWF068 and PWF038) fires. Additional firefighting crews and resources are being deployed to assist. These resources were deployed to the Peace River Forest Area from Alberta Wildfire through interagency agreements. Alberta has requested additional resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg, and agreements with the United States and Mexico.

GWF018 is currently classified as Being Held (BH). It is now estimated to be 47,486 ha in size and 80 per cent contained. It is located on both sides of the Peace River, and is approximately five kilometers east of Cleardale and 13 kilometers southwest of Worsley. Crews are continuing to successfully use direct attack on the fire’s northwest flank on the south side of the river in Saddle Hills, and the northeast corner of the fire on the north side of the Peace River. There are two unit crews, two hac crews, two equipment groups and an additional two water trucks and two helicopters working on this fire. With air quality improving, helicopters were again able to assist in assessment and support of firefighters and equipment.

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Caution is advised when travelling on area highways due to smoke conditions, especially in low lying areas. For road closures, visit 511 Alberta.