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Extreme wildfire danger
Due to recent lack of rain, in addition to extreme temperatures, the fire danger level in the Peace River Forest Area is now extreme.
Use caution with any outdoor activity that could spark a fire.
Since January 1, there have been 135 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, burning a total of 75,634 hectares.
There are currently no active wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area at this time.
For real-time wildfire updates in Alberta, visit the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for a portion of the Peace River Forest Area. Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands. All fire permits issued within the boundaries of the restriction are now suspended.
Prohibited:
- Outdoor wood fires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire on private land
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes (on public land in the backcountry and in random camping areas)
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
- Backyard firepits
- Propane fire pits and natural gas powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for portions of the Peace River Forest Area.
The continued warm temperatures create conditions where wildfires can start easily and spread quickly. Be cautious when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could potentially spark a wildfire.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are valid. Permit holders must follow all safe burning conditions outlined in their permits.
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis for essential burning only.
- Safe campfires are permitted
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
Landowners who have completed burns over the summer are encouraged to revisit the locations to ensure the fires are extinguished and cold to the touch.
As fall approaches and grasses begin to dry. An unchecked, smouldering burn pile could easily ignite these fuels and cause a wildfire.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca
Agricultural fire safety
Keeping one or more fire extinguishers on each machine, like the combine harvester above, can prevent agricultural fires and equipment loss.
Agricultural activity is the primary cause of human related wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area. Improper burning practices, heavy equipment, and off highway vehicles accounted for 51% of all human caused wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area in 2024.
Prevention and safety are key to protecting farms, communities, livelihoods, and lives.
Safe burning practices
Any burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) requires a fire permit from March 1 to October 31, with the exception of a campfire.
Fire permits ensure safe burning practices and allow staff to know where burning is approved, allowing firefighters and aircraft to fight wildfires. Municipalities may have individual rules and restrictions in place. Contact your local municipality for more information.
See Safe burning for more details.
Heavy equipment
Steps can be taken to lower the risk of wildfire from heavy equipment. Check for fire hazards before starting work each day, such as:
- Any buildup of crop residue around the engine, exhaust system, belts and chains.
- Damaged exhaust components.
- Worn or frayed belts.
- Signs of leaking fluids, oils and fuels.
Combines and balers can present different types of problems. Check for:
- Buildup of combustible crop residue around the engine and exhaust system.
- Concealed drive belts and pulleys that can contribute to the accumulation of crop residue that can overheat due to friction.
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing wildfires caused by agricultural equipment. Remember to:
- Keep bearings and gears well lubricated to prevent buildup.
- Remove crop residue from areas prone to generate normal heat.
- Replace worn and broken belts as soon as possible.
- Keep lubricants at proper levels.
- Repair or replace damaged or worn-out exhaust systems – in addition to a good exhaust system, a spark arrester can be installed to catch burning particles.
- Repair damaged electrical wiring.
- Keep one or more fire extinguishers on machinery and know how to use them.
For more information, see Preventing wildfires on the farm.
Off-highway vehicles
Steps can be taken to lower the risk of wildfire from off-highway vehicles.
- Before riding, clean out hot spots and remove debris from the machine.
- After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from the machine.
- Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
- Wash the OHV and keep it clean – do not wash in streams and creeks.
- Make sure the muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
- Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from the machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.
For more information, see Off-highway vehicle safety.
For more information call the Alberta Wildfire information line at 1-866-FYI-FIRE (394-3473). To report wildfires, call 310-FIRE (3473).
Contact info
Tannis McNabb
780-617-4851
[email protected]
Published on September 4, 2025 10:48 am