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).

Weather Conditions

Today the expected high is 27 to 31 degrees and relative humidity of 20 to 25 percent, bringing crossover conditions. Winds will be east and southeast 15 to 20 kilometers per hour and gusting 35 kilometers per hour. There is a fire behaviour advisory in effect.

*Crossover is the point at which the relative humidity is less than, or equal to, the ambient air temperature, and may be used as an indicator of extreme burning conditions.

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

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

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

Wildfire Situation

Since January 1, there have been 56 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 6,839.96 hectares (ha).

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. Wildland firefighters supported by heavy equipment and aircraft are working on containing a 65-ha excursion in the east side of the river valley, which was detected two days ago. Containment lines are holding the excursion, and wildland firefighters are actively working and patrolling the area. Firefighters successfully used ignition to burn guard and remove fuels on the eastern flank in preparation for forecasted hot and dry weather that may produce extreme fire behaviour. Smoke will be visible again today, but please do not report smoke or flame from within an active wildfire area.

The Kimiwan Complex Fire SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC). The current fire size is 126,196 ha.

Firefighters observe ignition operations June 8. Alberta Wildfire uses operational ignition (both aerial and ground) to help wildfire operations. Ignition (indirect attack) can be used to move the fire to more advantageous places to fight the fire, to make conditions on the ground safer for ground resources by removing unpredictable fuel types or moving the fire off a steep slope to a safer area to work. This is a very effective way to remove unburnt fuels between the fire and perimeter control lines.

Firefighters assisted by heavy machinery and aircraft are continuing with planned ignition operations, which began yesterday north of Seal lake Road and west of Baytex Road, with the objective of preparing strong containment lines ahead of extreme fire behaviour forecast for the next several days.

Community members may see more smoke today and into tomorrow as firefighters progress with the burning out of the unburnt areas. We ask community members to refrain from driving on the Seal Lake Road west of the intersection of Range Road 190.

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.

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

HWF058 This fire is located approximately 80 km southwest of the Town of High Level and approximately 20 km northwest of the of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement boundary marker, where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) at 3,596 hectares.

There are 25 firefighters, and 3 helicopters dedicated to this fire. Additional resources have been requested.

Due to smoky conditions this morning, crews are unable to access the area safely on the ground however helicopters with water buckets are working to cool hotspots where safe to do so. Yesterday, the fire was very active with growth reported to the west and the northwest. There are no communities at risk at this time. 

Today, the forecast is calling for a temperature of 31 degrees, a relative humidity of 20 percent and winds are southeast 15-20 km/h gusting 30 km/h. These conditions are expected to challenge firefighters and aircraft as there is a Fire Behaviour Advisory in effect. 

For more information please visit the High Level Forest Area Update.

An aerial view of HWF058 taken on June 8.

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. 

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