High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update | August 1, 2019 at 7:00pm

Posted on Thu, Aug 01, 2019

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A Fire Advisory remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area. Use caution within the Forest Protection Area. To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473). 

Regrowth

Regrowth in burned areas in the forest is coming along quickly.

HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA UPDATE | AUGUST 1, 2019 AT 7 p.m.

There are currently 8 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires: 3 are Being Held (BH) and 5 are Under Control (UC). Click here for a map of all fire locations and their status within the High Level Forest Area. (See below for details on the Chuckegg Creek wildfire).

Wildfires of note:

  • Fire (HWF140) is located 45 km to the southeast of South Tall Cree and is classified as Under Control (UC) at an estimated size of 273 hectares. There are 38 firefighters, 5 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire.
  • The Jackpot Creek wildfire (HWF-066) is located north of Lutose and is Under Control (UC) at 74,331 hectares. There are 35 firefighters, 2 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire.

NOTE: Unless conditions change, the next update will be by 7 p.m. on August 2, 2019.

Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are positioned throughout the High Level Forest Area to respond to any new wildfire starts.


CHUCKEGG CREEK WILDFIRE UPDATE | August 1, 2019 AT 7 p.m.

  • Last recorded size: 350,134 hectares
  • Status Being Held (BH)
  • Fire perimeter: 635.27 km
  • There are 473 firefighters and support staff, 14 helicopters and 6 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.
    *Fire size and perimeter are subject to change based on clearer visibility for high-altitude scanning.

Smoke and fire activity may occur along Highway 35 south and Highway 58 east of High Level as that area is within the perimeter of the Chuckegg Creek wildfire. Please use caution as you're traveling through these areas and consider slowing down as you pass through.

Although the Chuckegg Creek wildfire is listed as Being Held (BH), doesn't mean the operation is over. Scanning operations continue to identify hot spots. Crews are working hard to action all identified hot spots and ensure there is no threat to the established line.

Even with reduced fire activity and cooler weather, areas of the fire will remain active. Please remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings while travelling near the fire.

Similar weather conditions are expected for tomorrow, as temperatures should reach 20 degrees with a relative humidity of 55% and winds from the northwest at 10 km/hr. There is potential for intermittent showers in the evening.HWF042_PublicMap_11x17_20190730


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FIRE ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA

A Fire Advisory remains in effect due to the hotter temperatures, no significant rainfall and the ongoing wildfire activity within the High Level Forest Area.

Current short term permits will not be renewed and all permit holders with root rows/root piles need to ensure all piles are extinguished prior to the expiry of their permit.

  • Safe campfires are currently allowed
  • Current seasonal permits issued until October 31, 2019 will remain valid
  • New permits will only be issued for smudges and burn barrels

To get a fire permit please call 780-926-5407 and leave a detailed message including your home address, burn location and what you plan to burn. A patrolman will contact you to arrange a site visit.

Visit albertafirebans.ca for more information or download the new Alberta Fire Bans mobile app.


ALERTS AND EVACUATIONS | BE PREPARED, STAY INFORMED

Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app or visit their website by clicking here. You can also check with the county, the town or your local community to see if new alerts or evacuation orders have been issued.


ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION

To stay informed on all road closure information visit the Alberta Transportation website or download the mobile app.

SMOKE ISSUES

Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta has caused poor air quality and reducing visibility at times. Winds will continue to shift bringing smoky conditions. For health related smoke issues, please visit Alberta Health Services.


PUBLIC SAFETY - WILDFIRE OPERATIONS

During an active wildfire, the highest priority is the safety of the public and wildfire personnel. Please refrain from entering areas of active wildfire suppression. If you encounter aircraft or helicopter bucketing operations on a water body please move your boat to shore.   

The airspace around a wildfire is restricted via NOTAM in a radius of 9 kilometres to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level. It is illegal to operate any aircraft not associated with wildfire suppression within the restricted area, including drones. Do not fly drones or UAVs near or within the perimeter of an active wildfire. When a drone is near a wildfire it endangers firefighting personnel and important aerial firefighting operations will be grounded.  Those caught in violation can be subject to an automatic court appearance and a fine of up to $100,000. 

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For more information, please contact:

Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer 

High Level Forest Area

Phone: 780-841-9387

1-866-FYI-FIRE

victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca


Lynn Daina | Wildfire Information Officer (Chuckegg Creek wildfire)

Phone: 780-799-9253

1-866-FYI-FIRE

lynn.daina@gov.ab.ca


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