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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Peace River Forest Area - September 14, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

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 extreme.

Use caution with any outdoor activity that could spark a fire. 

Since January 1, there have been 139 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, burning a total of 75,635 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 advisory

A fire advisory is in effect for portions of the Peace River Forest Area.

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.
  • Fireworks and exploding targets.
 
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Fire Bans.

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 
 
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Fire Bans.

Agricultural fire safety

A combine harvester sits in front of a row of grain bins. The sky is bright in the backdrop, with a few clouds 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. 

Request a fire permit online. 

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). 

Published on September 10, 2025 10:11 am