The wildfire hazard for the High Level Area is VERY HIGH. The fire advisory is still in effect. Safe campfires are allowed. Please continue to exercise caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
WILDFIRE UPDATE AUGUST 22, 2017 AT 4:30PM
There are a total of 13 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires; 3 are classified as out of control, 4 are being held, 4 are under control and 2 have been turned over to the responsible party. These wildfires are not threatening any communities.
Over 330 firefighters along with aircraft support and heavy equipment are fighting these wildfires.
Wildfires of Note
- Fire, HWF196 is located 19km west of La Crete on the west side of the Peace River. This fire is classified as being held at 340 hectares. Given the current weather conditions and resources, this wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
- Fire, HWF252, is located 10km northeast of Magaret Lake. This fire is classified as being held at 953 hectares. Given the current weather conditions and resources, this wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
Moose Lake Complex
- Fire, HWF221, is located 21km southwest of the community of Fox Lake, on the north side of Harper Creek. This fire is classified as out of control at 4,789 hectares.
- Fire, HWF223, is classified as under control at 94 hectares. This fire is 9km east of the community of Fox Lake.
- Fire, HWF246, is located 30km southeast of the community of Fox Lake on the south side of Harper Creek. This fire is classified as being held at 274 hectares.
Mikkwa Complex
- Fire, HWF236, is located 29km east of South Tall Cree, on the east side of the Mikkwa River. Today firefighters have declared this fire as under control at 45 hectares.
- Fire, HWF242, is located 32km east of South Tall Cree, on the east side of the Mikkwa River. This fire is classified as out of control at 765 hectares.
- Fire, HWF244 is located 33km east of North Tall Cree on the west side of the Mikkwa River. This fire is classified as out of control at 20 hectares.
Agriculture and Forestry has combined multiple wildfires into two separate complexes; Moose Lake Complex and the Mikkwa Complex. By combining fires into a complex this allows one incident management team to manage multiple wildfires, therefore making a more efficient use of resources.
Find the wildfire location and status map, here.
Please report a wildfire by calling 310-FIRE. For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca
SMOKE IN THE AIR
There is smoke in the area due to wildfire burning within the High Level Forest Area as well a fire burning within Wood Buffalo National Park. Check current smoke forecasts here. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811.
Check out Alberta's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for information on air quality and your health
A Fire Advisory is in effect as of August 10, 2017 at 12:00pm for the High Level Forest Area portion of the Forest Protection Area due to current and forecasted weather.
- No new permits will be issued but existing permits are still valid.
- Safe campfires are still allowed.
The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until significant precipitation is received throughout the area.
Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use. Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
Victoria Ostendorf
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Mobile: (780)841-9387
Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca
Stay current on Alberta's wildfire situation; download the Alberta Wildfire mobile app for Android or Apple products. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.