The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is HIGH.
Weather Conditions
For tomorrow, generally stable conditions are expected in the province as the upper/surface low systems continue to move further east away from the province. Moderate to occasional strong northwest winds 20 to 25 and gusting to 40 to 45 kilometers per hour in the morning will diminish to be near 10 to 20 per hour in the afternoon in most zones. Temperatures will be up to 20C with relative humidity of 40 to 45 per cent.
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 6,840.06 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 49,327 ha in size. Containment lines are holding, and wildland firefighters are actively working and patrolling the area. Firefighters assisted by a helicopter are actioning a flareup on the fire's perimeter in an area already wrapped by dozer guard.
The Kimiwan Complex Fire SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC). The current fire size is 132,581 ha.
An Australian flag flies over Kimiwan Complex's firefighters' tents. An Australian Incident Management Team is managing the Kimiwan wildfire.
Fire behaviour on the Kimiwan Complex is expected to be moderate today.
The weather forecast predicts cool and damp temperature throughout the day with northerly winds. A good chance of rain will be followed with sun and drier temperatures going into Thursday.
The weather stations around the area of the fire indicated 7 to 15 millimeters of rain overnight. Yesterday crews finished guard lines in the northeast corner of the fire and put out small excursions around the perimeter of the fire. Today, personnel will be on the fire line, identifying the location of hotspots to monitor, after expected rainfall and continuing to secure guards.
Today the Australian Incident Management Team transitions with the current IMT, returning from their days off to manage the Peace River Forest Area Kimiwan Complex fires (SWF068 and PWF038). The IMT is supported by firefighters from Canada, Australia and America.
We are still asking community members to refrain from driving on Seal Lake Road west of the intersection with Range Road 190.
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 was detected June 4, 2023. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) with an estimated size of 18,719 hectares.
This fire is located approximately 72 km southwest of the Town of High Level and approximately 17 kilometers northwest of the of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement boundary marker, where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. Evacuation trigger maps have been developed with the local community
This fire is now being managed by the Incident Management Team (IMT) on the Long Lake fire and is now called the Long Lake Complex.
Equipment and dozers have been activated to access the fire from the north and south. The fire has been active with growth reported to the east and southeast. Yesterday 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. A base camp for crews has been established at Keg River Camp, southwest of Paddle Prairie.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.
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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.
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.
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