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)
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA UPDATE | JULY 11, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M.
There are currently 4 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires, 1 is Out of Control (OC), 1 is Being Held (BH) and 2 are Under Control (UC). (See below for details on the Chuckegg Creek wildfire). Click here for a map of all fire locations and their status within the High Level Forest Area.
Wildfires of note:
- Fire number HWF-066 (Jackpot Creek) is classified as Being Held (BH), is located north of Lutose. The fire is approximately 74,331 hectares in size. There are 123 firefighters and support staff, 8 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this wildfire.
NOTE: The next update will be by 11:00 a.m., or if conditions warrant.
Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are positioned throughout the High Level Forest Area to respond to any new wildfire starts.
(Photo of fire activity on the east side of the fire, south of Surette Lake, July 11, 2019.)
CHUCKEGG CREEK WILDFIRE UPDATE | JULY 11, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M.
Due to higher temperatures and gusty winds out of the south the east side of the fire saw an increase in activity. The fire in the area south of Surette Lake spotted across the tight line guard made by firefighters but is still within the heavy equipment guard and old telegraph line. Airtankers and helicopters assisted firefighters in this area to limit the fire spread. There was also activity reported over on the west side of the fire south of highway 58. This activity was within the fire perimeter, as areas of “green islands” were burning off. Green islands occur when the fire moves through an area and leaves behind untouched trees surrounded by burnt forest.
On the east side of the fire, west of La Crete, the fire continue to burn in very deep areas of peat moss, which continues to create some challenges for firefighters. Firefighters along with heavy equipment continue to make progress in establishing guard in this area. Helicopters also continue to aid firefighting efforts by dropping retardant and water on the fire perimeter in priority areas to limit fire spread.
Firefighters and personnel have established large pumps, water tanks, a large water reservoir and sprinklers on the east side of the fire. This system will be utilized for sprinkler operations, assist firefighters with direct attack on the fire perimeter and flooding the area where the fire is burning in deep peat moss.
Progress continues to be made by firefighters on the west, south, and southeast side. On the west side, firefighters continue with direct attack extinguishing hotspots and mopping-up 100 feet inward, south of Highway 58. In the southwest, hose lay, mop-up and extinguishing hotspots is ongoing. In the southern end of the wildfire, infrared scanning has identified some hotspots and firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots in priority areas.
- The last recorded size is 333, 402 hectares.
- There are 1,127 wildland firefighters and support staff, 46 helicopters and 123 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR THE HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA
A Fire Advisory remains in effect due to ongoing wildfire activity within the High Level Forest Area.
- Safe Campfires are currently allowed
- Current seasonal permits issued until October 31, 2019 remain valid
- New permits will only be issued for:
- smudges
- burn barrels
- light yard debris
- root piles/rows
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.
PROVINCIAL SUMMARY | JULY 11, 2019
There are currently 13 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Of these fire; 1 is out of control, 1 is being held, 8 are under control and 3 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 708 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 802,389 hectares. Forest Protection Area.
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 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.
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.
Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer
Phone: 780-841-9387
1-866-FYI-FIRE
RELATED INFORMATION
- Alberta Wildfire Status
- Alberta Fire Bans
- Air Quality Health Index
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation