Courtesy of Alberta Wildfire:
The Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is currently preparing for the arrival of 100 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and a 55-person incident team. These resources were deployed to the Peace River Forest Area from Alberta Wildfire to assist with SWF068.
Alberta has requested additional resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg, and we also have agreements with the United States and Mexico. We expect both the CAF and the incident team will be in place this weekend.
GWF018 is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It grew to the south by an estimated 19,000 ha yesterday and is now estimated to be 45,154.00 ha in size. It is located on both sides of the Peace River, and is approximately five kilometers east of Cleardale and 13 kilometers southwest of Worsley. Wildland firefighters assisted by air support and heavy equipment are working to contain the wildfire. Clear Hills County has issued an evacuation alert for area residents. The Kimiwan Complex Wildfire PCX001 (SWF068 and PWF038) – SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be approximately 95,836.00 ha in size. Peavine Metis Settlement is under a mandatory evacuation notice due to the fire’s activity on the southwest flank. Wildfire crews continue to reinforce protective measures. The wildfire’s north perimeter has crossed Seal Lake Road and South Harmon Valley Road (Twp. 820) is approximately 38 kilometers south of Cadotte Lake and 39 kilometers south of Little Buffalo. PWF038 is also OC, and approximately 6,207 ha. It has remained relatively stable, with wildland firefighters patrolling and putting out hotspots to maintain containment lines.
There are no evacuation alerts for the MD of Smoky River or the Town of McLennan. Please visit the MD of Smoky River for more information about any applicable emergency measures.
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.
Wildfire Danger
The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Peace River Forest Area. With the return of extremely warm temperatures and gusty winds, firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution as a wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly. There is a Fire Ban and OHV Restriction in effect. visit www.albertafirebans.ca. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
310-FIRE
While we always appreciate people calling in to report wildfires, the large volume of calls we are currently receiving is diverting our resources away from other essential tasks. You can always visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from, and as always, please still call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flame that looks new and potentially unreported, but assume that larger columns of smoke have already been detected. Thank you!
To see the forecasted fire danger click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM
If you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).
Weather
Temperatures are expected to be in the 24 degree range today with relative humidity of 15 per cent. Crossover conditions are expected. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behavior. Winds are south and southeast at 15 kilometers per hour.
Smoky conditions
Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta, smoky conditions will persist in communities and along highways. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling check www.511.Alberta.ca for information the latest road conditions or closures. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
- Under this fire ban:
- All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
- No new Fire Permits will be issued
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
- Backyard firepits
- BBQ charcoal briquettes
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
- The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails
Allowed:
- 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
- Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes
- Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes
- Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs
- Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private landsIf you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Please visit albertafirebans.ca to see a map of the areas covered under this Fire Restriction.
