Peace River Area Update

Autumn is once again upon us, creating large areas of dead and drying grasses.  Grass fires spread quickly and are especially dangerous when winds are strong, as they are expected to be for the rest of the week.  Please exercise caution when burning and call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.    

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard level for the Peace River Wildfire Management Area is now MODERATE. Please be extra cautious around dried and cured grasses as they are extremely flammable.  Strong winds gusting up to 40 km/hr have been forecasted for the rest of the week, and in these windy conditions, wildfires will spread very quickly through dried, cured grasses.

Local Wildfires

There have been 185 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area so far this fire season, none of which are currently out of control. 

PBZ002

• The wildfire burning in the Fontas area PBZ002, started in British Columbia and crossed over the Alberta/British Columbia border in early July. The portion that is burnt within Alberta is approximately 3000 hectares in size.
  

 
NOTIKEWIN COMPLEX

• PWF 129 is located in the Notikewin area (approximately 15 kms northwest of Sulphur lake). This fire is listed as under control at 419.50 hectares and continues to be monitored. 

• PWF 131 is located approximately 10 kms west of Sulphur Lake and 15 kms northwest of Stony Lake. This fire is 3,167 hectares in size and thanks to the efforts of our many firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, it remains under control and continues to be monitored.

Please visit our wildfire status map on our website at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App for more information on wildfires throughout the province.

Fire Permits

Fire permits are being issued at this time but please check your fire permit to ensure you are burning safely and within your permit conditions. When winds are over 12 km/hr, burning is not permitted. Wind can pick up small sparks and carry them several kilometers away, potentially starting wildfires in dry areas.  Please remember to stay safe and ensure that you put up smoke signs if burning large debris near highways or other roads.  Smoke can create serious safety concerns for motorists, drastically reducing visibility.  

FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED UNTIL OCTOBER 31.  Fire permits are free and can be obtained by phoning the Peace River Wildfire Management Office at 780-624-6190.

Wildfire Prevention

Click the links below for more information on how you can prevent wildfires this long weekend.

• Check Alberta fire bans 
• Ensure that your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished 
• Check your ATV for dry debris that may be heating up on the hot parts of your machine. 

For more Information contact: