High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Update - May 21, 2020

Posted on Thu, May 21, 2020

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The fire danger is MODERATE for the High Level Forest Area. Please continue to use extra caution in areas of dry, dead grass. A fire ban and OHV restriction remain in place for the High Level Forest Area.


HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE | MAY 21, 2020 AT 2:00 p.m.

There are currently two wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Both of these fires are classified as Under Control (UC). Click here for a map of all fire locations and their status within the High Level Forest Area. 

Wildfires of note:

  • Chuckegg Creek (May 2019), fire (HWF042) is classified as Under Control (UC). See below for more information.

Since March 1, 2020, the High Level Forest Area has recorded 14 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 77 hectares.

Since March 1, 2020, Alberta has recorded 234 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 424 hectares.

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Chucky May 15

(Firefighters working on a hotspot on the Chuckegg Creek fire)

CHUCKEGG CREEK WILDFIRE | MAY 21, 2020 AT 2:00 p.m.

Due to warmer temperatures and spring winds, a hotspot on the east side of the Chuckegg Creek fire is active. This hotspot is burning within the fire perimeter and is approximately 111 hectares in size. Smoke from this hotspot can be visible to nearby communities. There are 32 firefighters, two helicopters, and heavy equipment working on extinguishing this hotspot.

Firefighters have set up a base on the east side of the fire with firefighting resources and heavy equipment. This will allow firefighters to respond quickly to any new hotspots that may pop up. Firefighters continue to use infrared scanning to further identify hotspots on the east side of the fire as well. 

Going into winter last year firefighters had recorded 50 hectares of active ground fire. Most of the areas discovered were in the east where the landscape is covered with peat moss. Peat moss can be challenging to work in as the fire can smoulder down to 10 feet. All these identifiable areas of ground fire were extinguished with heavy equipment.

Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue to work on extinguishing these areas and are monitoring for any new ones. 

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

NOTAM

There is a NOTAM in place in the High Level Forest Area. This means no aircraft or drones permitted to fly in the NOTAM. Aircraft flying within the NOTAM can impact wildfire operations and can be subject to a fine.

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OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT | AS OF MAY 8, 2020

Due to the warmer temperatures, spring winds and no significant rain in the forecast the fire danger is climbing in the High Level Forest Area. Effective May 7, 2020 there is an OHV Restriction in effect for the High Level Forest Area. 

The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agriculture, institutional (educational), commercial/ industrial, emergency response, Indigenous peoples who use OHV for traditional use or 2020 Hunting License holders for black bear only.

Anyone found to be non-compliant with the fire ban may receive a violation ticket of $600 and non-compliant with the OHV restriction, a violation ticket of $1200.

The OHV restriction was enacted under section 14(1) of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act. This section gives the Minister the authority, by order, to close to public entry any land or prohibit the operation of equipment or off-highway vehicles on any land where the Minister considers that a fire hazard or a burning hazard warrants the closure or prohibition.

Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected area.

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FIRE BAN IN EFFECT | AS OF APRIL 15, 2020

There is a fire ban in place inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, as well as in Alberta Provincial Parks and protected areas, until further notice. These steps are part of a number of actions the department is implementing to help mitigate wildfire risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.Taking action in advance to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires will allow Alberta Wildfire to make the best possible use of resources when the availability of firefighters could be reduced because of the pandemic.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be monitoring conditions, including the availability of firefighting crews and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fire Ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected area.

Prohibited

  • outdoor wood fires
  • backyard firepits
  • barbeques with charcoal briquettes

Allowed

  • propane / natural gas powered appliances
  • open flame CSA approved oil devices
  • indoor wood fires

** All devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer standards. An indoor wood fire is a fire inside a structure (such as a building, tent, or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor. Users are still responsible for care and attendance of all devices and should reduce their use during fire restrictions and bans. Approved activities or devices will not prevent potential prosecution or litigation if the user or device starts a wildfire.

FIRE PERMITS

Fire permits are suspended or cancelled. Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, but will need to be approved by a forest officer. Please call 780-926-5407.


For more information, please contact: Phone: 1-866-394-3473

Victoria Ostendorf

High Level Forest Area,

Wildfire Information Officer

780-841-9387

victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca

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