The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is VERY HIGH.
Due to increased fire activity and air operations, Seal Lake Road is now closed from Range Road 190 (North Harmon Valley Road). Please visit Northern Sunrise County for more information.
Fire activity has continued to increase, which stresses the importance of adhering to the Fire Restriction that is in effect.
Warm weather and winds can quickly dry the fine fuels raising the danger levels. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1, there have been 49 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 6,837.47 hectares (ha).
Weather Conditions
South easterly wind shifting to north westerly this afternoon, 15 to 20 kilometers per hour gusting up to 35 kilometers per hour throughout today with max temperatures of 26 degrees, 40 to 45 per cent Relative Humidity. Possible showers and the risk of thunderstorms Sunday afternoon through early Monday as a cold front passes.
The Kimiwan Complex Fire SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC). The current fire size is 124,331 ha.
The weather continues to present difficult conditions for the Canadian and Australian firefighters working together to contain the fire.
Warm and windy weather conditions yesterday afternoon pushed the wildfire north of the Seal Lake Road causing power outages and the closing of the Seal Lake Road at the intersection of Range Road 190. Today, firefighters plan to construct a guard line running north from the Seal Lake Road to ignite off and burn out the unburnt area between the wildfire and guard line.
Firefighters continue to consolidate and reinforce containment lines around the southern and western perimeter of the wildfire.
Community members may see increased smoke in the vicinity of wildfire SWF068 over the next few days.
PWF038 is now classified as Under Control (UC) and 100 per cent contained.
An Australian Incident Management Team is managing the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) Kimiwan Complex which includes both (SWF068 and PWF038) fires. Approximately 200 firefighting personnel are working on containing and monitoring the fires. Alberta requested additional resources to assist the Alberta firefighters through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg, and agreements with the United States, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
By Kimiwan Complex Information Officer Carmel Henderson
For more information about wildfire in or near municipalities impacted by SWF068, please go to Northern Sunrise County or the MD of Smoky River
GWF018 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is now estimated to be 48,200 ha in size. The wildfire experienced increased activity on the north and east flank earlier this week and grew by approximately 800 ha. Fire retardant was laid along areas of the wildfire yesterday and increased dozer guard was established along the fire's north point. Air operations are bucketing water on identified hotspots and crews are being deployed to directly action hot spots.
We ask residents to be extra cautious near burnt areas and to avoid venturing into forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire as they can present other hazards such as falling trees, as a result of root systems being compromised by fire. Deep ash pits and burning peat are also dangerous.
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.
Caution is advised when travelling on area highways due to smoke conditions, especially in low lying areas. For road closures, visit 511 Alberta.
All wildfires in Alberta are investigated and these wildfires remain under investigation. To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.
To see the forecasted fire danger click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
- 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
Be advised that Alberta Parks has it's own set of fire ban levels, please visit their website for more information.
The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.
*according to Transport Canada
NOTAM
Aircraft pilots are reminded to check NOTAMs before flying into areas with active wildfires. Flying into a NOTAM area without prior authorization will cause disruption to aerial firefighting.
310-FIRE
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!
If you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).
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
FireSmart Begins at Home
Using FireSmart principles is becoming a way of life for many communities in North America. With so many neighborhoods threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes, cabins and properties.
We strongly encourage those with homes, cabins and other structures to FireSmart their properties to limit the impacts of a potential wildfire reaching your door step. To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit firesmartcanada.ca or click here to watch videos. FireSmart Canada also has a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart. Click here to learn more.
For those that have farm or acreages, this publication may be helpful to keep you FireSmart. Click on the link for the Farm and Acreage FireSmart Magazine.
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