Chuckegg and Jackpot Creek Wildfires Remain Out of Control.
Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction Continues. The fire danger remains Extreme as the area needs a significant rainfall for the danger to be reduced. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE UPDATE
There are 3 active wildfires in the High Level Forest Area - Two are Out of Control, and one is Under Control.
- The Chuckegg Creek fire (HWF-042) remains Out of Control (OC) at 275,918 hectares.
- The Jackpot Creek Wildfire (HWF-066) around Steen River remains Out of Control (OC) at 45,023 hectares. This fire grew yesterday to the north and south.
- Fire (HWF075), is located approximately 42 km southeast of South Tall Cree, east of highway 88. This fire is Under Control at 18 hectares.
Water suppression is an important tactic in the fight to contain the Chuckegg wildfire.
Click here for a map of all fire locations and their status within the High Level Forest Area.
Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are positioned throughout the High Level Forest Area to respond to any new wildfire starts. Please report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE.
The next update will be at noon tomorrow, or sooner if conditions change.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION REMAIN IN EFFECT
A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction is in effect for the High Level Forest Area due to dry conditions and no significant rainfall in the forecast. The ban and restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.
Prohibited
- All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
- Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
- Fireworks and exploding targets.
- The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.
Allowed
- Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
Visit albertafirebans.ca for more information or download the new Alberta Fire Bans mobile app.
THE CHUCKEGG CREEK FIRE
Today was a very productive day for firefighters on the Chuckegg Creek Wildfire. The weather gave us a bit of a break, delivering rain to the fire over the past two days that totals less than 3 mm near High Level, about 12 mm on the west side, and less than 2 mm to the south. It’s not much, but it was enough to slow the spread of the fire this afternoon. It was not enough to impact the fire down for long, and certainly not enough to absorb into the ground and help with the deep burn pits.
- North of Highway 58, where the guard is completed, crews worked with pump and hose to extinguish hotspots within 100 feet of the perimeter of the fire. An ignition planned for this area this afternoon was cancelled due to high humidity and erratic winds. We may try this again in the coming days if conditions are prime.
- On the west side of the fire south of the highway, crews and heavy equipment continued with efforts to contain the fire with guard.
- Further south but still along the west side, the dozer guard was completed and tied in to Chin Ponds. A guard extending west from the fire perimeter was constructed, with the intent to prevent growth of the fire in anticipation of SE winds in a few days.
- More than 125 firefighters, supported by helicopters with buckets, worked the south side of the fire today as we focus on extinguishing hotspots around Paddle Prairie and making the community safe for residents to return.
- On the southeast part of the fire, crews and heavy equipment are working in spots where the fire has dug in. In some of these areas the fire has been smouldering for about a month. This is hard, back breaking work, as firefighters work with pulaskis (axe/pick combo) and shovels to expose burning tree roots and smouldering vegetation. The fire is also burning in windrows that we are patrolling. Residents can expect to see smoke from this area for weeks to come.
- North of the Peace River, along the east side, crews and heavy equipment continued to work to strengthen the guard close to the river, and along the fire perimeter.
There is a chance of a weather inversion overnight which could cause visibility issues in the morning. The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 24 degrees, 30% humidity and variable winds switching from NW to SE 10 by evening. The southeast winds should clear smoke from most communities. We don’t expect any growth on the fire tomorrow under these conditions and it should be another day for good progress on the fireline.
On Sunday, the forecast is for a high of 28 degrees, with low humidity between 20-25%, and winds SE 15-20. Fire behavior will be more aggressive under these conditions. On Monday, a weather front is expected to cross the area bringing strong and gusty winds SE 20 gusting to 45 km/hr in the afternoon. Again, fire behavior will be more aggressive under these conditions.
- The Chuckegg Creek wildfire is just over 275,000 hectares. The map is from last night (June 13 at 1830) and shows a slightly larger size. We were able to more accurately measure the perimeter today, under clearer conditions. A new map will be available tomorrow night.
- Alberta Wildfire has 880 firefighters and personnel, 46 helicopters and 153 pieces of heavy equipment working on this wildfire.
THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE
Heavy equipment continues to build fireguard up the west flank of the northern excursion as well as along the southern perimeter east of the highway. Crews continue to tie in the southern excursion to the west of the highway. Fire intensity was lowered today due to high humidity and periods of rain.
- There are 67 firefighters and 9 helicopters and 1 piece of heavy equipment working on this fire.
- The last recorded size is 45,023 ha.
ALERTS AND EVACUATIONS
PADDLE PRAIRIE METIS SETTLEMENT
Paddle Prairie has an evacuation order in place. Evacuees should register at the reception centre located at the Grande Prairie Regional College. The reception centre phone number is 780-567-5587. For information on the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement evacuation, please visit their Facebook page.
COUNTY OF NORTHERN LIGHTS
At 8:00 a.m. Friday, June 14th, 2019 the Joint Emergency Coordination Centre for the Town of Manning and the County of Northern Lights RESCINDS the Evacuation Alert Status for the following boundaries:
Evacuation Alert has been lifted for:
- Town of Manning
- Northward from Township Road 910, (North Star Road)
- Everyone west from Range Road 231
- Everyone west from the Notikewin River
- Everyone south of the County’s northern boundary (Keg River/Carcajou)
More information on the Alert Status being lifted can be found on the County of Northern Lights webpage.
TOWN OF HIGH LEVEL | MACKENZIE COUNTY | DENE THA
The Town of High Level, Mackenzie County and Dene Tha have lifted the eight-hour evacuation alert. However, stay prepared and stay informed. All residents of the area should continue to check the following links and listen to local radio for updates.
- Alberta Emergency Alert, Download the mobile app.
- Town of High Level Website or Facebook page
- Mackenzie County Facebook Page
ALBERTA TRANSPORTATION
Alberta Transportation has reopened Highway 35 south of High Level with the aid of a police escort to ensure travelers safety; expect delays. Highway 697 east of Highway 35 to the La Crete Ferry remains closed. The La Crete Ferry is also closed. To stay informed on all road closure info 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.
Leslie Lozinski | Wildfire Information Officer | Chuckegg Creek
Mobile: 780-623-9758
1-866-FYI-FIRE
Stephanie Grocholski | Wildfire Information Officer | High Level Forest Area
Mobile: 780-926-7509
1-866-FYI-FIRE
stephanie.grocholski@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
- Alberta Wildfire Status
- Alberta Fire Bans
- Air Quality Health Index
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation