The fire danger in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is VERY HIGH. Although we did receive some rain in the PRFA, the amount varies and some locations in the northern forest area did not receive any precipitation.
Fire activity has continued to increase, which stresses the importance of adhering to the Fire Restriction that is in effect.
Warm weather and winds can quickly dry the fine fuels raising the danger levels. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1, there have been 49 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) burning a total of 6,837.47 hectares (ha).
An Incident Management Team is managing the Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) Kimiwan Complex which includes both (SWF068 and PWF038) fires. Approximately 200 firefighting personnel are working on containing and monitoring the fires. Alberta requested additional resources to assist the Alberta firefighters through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg, and agreements with the United States, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
The Kimiwan Complex Wildfire PCX001 (SWF068 and PWF038) as of June 02 at 1100 hrs:
The Kimiwan Complex Fire SWF068is classified as Out of Control (OC). The current fire size is 122,307 ha and it is currently 75 per cent contained.
Generally dry weather conditions forecast for today, 2 June with max temperatures of 23 degrees, Relative Humidity minimums of 25 per cent and light Easterly winds 10 to 15 kilometers per hour with no rain.
Firefighters continue to work on putting out hotspots within the perimeter of the fire and construct a guard line around the exterior of the fire. Today, with favorable weather conditions, firefighters are making good progress on guard line construction.
Smoke from SWF068 will continue to be visible to communities in the vicinity of the wildfire.
PWF038 is now classified as Under Control (UC) and 100 per cent contained.
By Kimiwan Complex Information Officer Carmel Henderson
GWF018 has been reclassified as Out of Control (OC). It is now estimated to be 47,961 ha in size and 80 per cent contained. The wildfire experienced increased activity on the north and east flank earlier this week and grew by approximately 800 ha earlier this week. Wildland firefighters are working to extinguish areas of concern.
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.
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.
A fire restriction remains in effect within the Forest Protection Area in the Peace River Forest Area. You can view the FACTSHEET.
A fire ban and OHV restriction are no longer in effect for the Peace River Forest Area.
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
We encourage the public and industry to download the AB Fire Bans app or v isit www.albertafirebans.ca to learn more about prohibited and allowed actives under these bans and restriction. **If you are looking for information regarding crown land, click on the area you plan to visit and not the nearest town.
Be advised that Alberta Parks has it’s own set of fire ban levels, please visit their website for more information.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. To view the Alberta Wildfire Fire Ban video, click here.
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 511.Alberta.ca for the latest road conditions or closures. Visit 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.
Do not fly drones near wildfires
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.
*according to Transport Canada
NOTAM
Aircraft pilots are reminded to check NOTAMs before flying into areas with active wildfires. Flying into a NOTAM area without prior authorization will cause disruption to aerial firefighting.
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!
If you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).
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 theAB Wildfire App or visit theAlberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
A number of area municipalities have implemented emergency measures in response to wildfires.
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.
