Hot, dry conditions continue in most areas of the province resulting in numerous wildfires. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx

Hot and dry conditions will continue with no significant rain in the forecast. The average  forecast across the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is a temperature of 24 degrees, a relative humidity of 25 per cent and light winds from the southwest of 15 km/h.

Wildland firefighters urge everyone to be extremely cautious when out in the Forest Protection Area. Check your winter burns, and comply with Fire Bans and OHV restrictions. At this time, fine fuels are critically dry and very receptive to fire. 

There is an evacuation alert for the County of Clear Hills as GWF018 continues to be very active. This wildfire grew by approximately 500 ha yesterday north of the Peace River, and has crossed a fire guard. It is anticipated this wildfire will move toward Hwy 64, approximately along Range Road 84. For more information about this evacuation alert, visit https://clearhillscounty.ab.ca/ 

Wildfire Situation

• 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.

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

Northern Sunrise County has lifted an evacuation alert for some areas within the municipality.

The mandatory evacuation notice has been lifted in Northern Sunrise County. Residents are now allowed to return to their homes. Please be prepared for the fact that you may not have power at your home. Although the evacuation notice has been lifted, if the situation changes, you may be asked to evacuate again with little notice.

The road closures are also being removed.

For further information go to https://northernsunrise.net/wildfire-awareness/

There are widespread power outages in the County. ATCO crews are assessing the damages and assigning priorities. ATCO would like to caution residents to stay clear of any downed power lines, and/or ATCO crews working in the area.  They will work to restore power as soon as possible.

Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous. Contacting an energized line can seriously injure or kill you. If you see a downed power line, please stay at least 10 meters away, call our Emergency outage line 1-800-668-5506 and keep everyone safe from the area.

For updated information on the power outages please refer to https://poweroutage.atco.com/map or download the ATCO app “My ATCO Electricity”.

For more safety tips to stay safe around power lines, visit https://electric.atco.com/en-ca/safety/powerline-safety.html

The State of Local Emergency continues at Northern Sunrise County.

Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.

Clear Hills County has issued a Wildfire Alert and State of Local Emergency

Please refer to the map for location of the following updates:

If there is a threat of fire in your area:

• listen for updates from authorities
• be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice
• have your vehicle stocked with supplies and ready to go

Fire crews are working diligently to keep you safe.

DO NOT attempt to fight these wildfires as they are dangerous if you see a new fire please CALL 310-FIRE (3473).

For information on the status of the Village of Hines Creek please contact the Village office @ 780-494-3690

For more information you can contact the county office at 780-685-3925 or go to: https://clearhillscounty.ab.ca/

An evacuation advisory for areas in the Municipal District of Fairview has been lifted

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

Keith Hopper, Trending 55