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

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 aircraft are working on containing a 65-ha excursion in the east side of the river valley. Containment lines are holding the excursion, and wildland firefighters are actively working and patrolling the area. Fire behaviour yesterday was relatively mild, with no new exclusions or growth known at this time. 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 130,000 ha.

Yesterday the Kimiwan Complex fire behaviour increased due to extreme fire behaviour conditions. Overnight the fire received roughly 3 mm of rain reducing the fire behaviour. Moderate fire behaviour is expected later throughout the day.

Fire excursions moved across guard lines in the northwest and northeast sections of the fire. Firefighters managed to check these excursions through continuous hard work and with the assistance of helicopters with buckets, two air cranes and other heavy equipment. Yesterday, tankers actioned the northwest excursions of the fire, placing retardant around the growth areas.

Today the forecast weather suggests strong gusty north-westerly winds. Firefighters with aviation resources and heavy equipment continue to work on constructing guard lines around uncontained fire edges and putting out hotspots.

Today a new IMT from Alberta will be taking over the Kimiwan Complex to relieve the Australian team. The main priorities for personnel will be to mop up and secure fire edges.

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

An Albertan 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 Haley Ritchie 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 23 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) with an estimated size of 10,612 hectares. There are 45 firefighters, and 3 helicopters working on this fire.

This fire is now being managed by the Incident Management Team (IMT) on the Long Lake fire. The Long Lake fire is now the Long Lake Complex. Yesterday the fire was very active with growth reported to the east. In the morning the fire area was very smoky however crews are able to safely access the southeast side and worked to establish control lines with the support of aircraft. In the afternoon conditions changed so crews and aircraft were pulled back for safety reasons.

Weather – The forecast for today is as follows: a temperature of 23 degrees, relative humidity of 15 per cent with winds northwest 15 kilometers per hour gusting up to 30 kilometers per hour. There is also a Red Flag Watch in effect again today. This means that with the current conditions, extreme fire behaviour is expected which will challenge firefighters and aircraft.

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

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. 

---

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