The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is VERY HIGH. 

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 55 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 6,840.49 hectares (ha).

NEW WILDFIRE DETECTIONS

Initial attack crews are put on standby to action any new wildfire starts, especially when the fire danger increases. Wildland firefighters were busy yesterday actioning two new wildfires which are now either Under Control or Being Held. They are often assisted by helicopters with buckets to extinguish them quickly.

In the past few days, the area has actioned seven new wildfires which burnt a total of 5.49 ha. The wildfires were determined to be caused by lightning.

Visit our Wildfire Dashboard to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard. 

Weather Conditions

Today the expected high is 25 degrees with westerly winds of 15 to 20 kilometers an hour, with gusts of 20 to 40 kilometers per hour expected.

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.

GWF018 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It is now estimated to be 48,500 ha in size. The fire grew by approximately 300 ha due to a June 4 excursion on the northeast, which has now been contained by dozer guard. Wildland firefighters, assisted by heavy equipment and helicopters, are working on containing a 50-ha excursion in the east side of the river valley, which was detected yesterday. 

The Kimiwan Complex Fire SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC). The current fire size is 125,298 ha.

The Canadian, Australian and American Hot Shots are taking advantage of the cooler weather and continue the work of reinforcing and consolidating containment lines, construct guard lines and putting out hotspots.

If weather permits, this work will be assisted by the two S64 Aircranes (Heavies)

We ask community members to refrain from driving on the Seal Lake Road west of the intersection of Range Road 190.

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. The Incident Management Team is supported by firefighters from Canada, Australia and America.

The Kimiwan Complex Information Officer is Carmel Henderson 780-652-2410.

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

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. 

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Stay away from active wildfire areas | For your safety and to ensure firefighters can do their job safely, please stay away from active wildfire areas. Your cooperation is essential.

Danger trees | Be extra cautious near burnt areas and avoid forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire. Hazards remain from falling trees or branches, especially if windy, deep ash pits and burning peat.

Reporting wildfires | Please do not report smoke or flame from within an active wildfire area. Firefighters are diverted from essential tasks to respond to fires reported by the public. You may see smoke or flame within the existing boundary of a wildfire, this is normal.

Smoke | Lingering smoke may still be visible in some areas and in affected communities. Smoke inversions can trap air near the ground causing dangerous driving conditions and poor air quality. Please use extra caution when driving in smoky conditions, and take necessary precautions if you have smoke-related health concerns.

Drones | 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. 

To see the forecasted fire danger click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM

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

michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca

HELPFUL LINKS