The wildfire danger for the High Level Forest Area is Extreme. Due to warmer temperatures, and no significant rainfall in the forecast. A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction remains in effect. Please use caution in the forested areas. To report a wildfire please call 310-FIRE.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE UPDATE | MAY 29, 2019 AT 9:00 A.M.
There are 2 active wildfires in the High Level Forest Area - both are Out of Control (OC).
- The Chuckegg Creek Fire remains Out of Control (OC) at 130,000 hectares.
- Wildfire HWF066 around Steen River remains Out of Control (OC) at 17,419 hectares. A mandatory evacuation was issued for Steen River by McKenzie County. Road closures are also in effect for Highway 35 - monitor Alberta511 for updated highway conditions.
Click here for a map of all fire locations and statuses within the High Level Forest Area.
The High Level Forest Area has lookout observers on high alert diligently scanning the forest for new fires. Firefighters with helicopters are also prepositioned around the area ready to respond to any new wildfire starts.
(Fire activity on the north end of the Chuckegg Creek fire, May 28, 2019)
THE CHUCKEGG CREEK FIRE | MAY 28, 2019 AT 9:00 P.M.
The weather forecast today brought hot temperatures and gusty, variable winds. The weather resulted in extreme fire behaviour on the north, west, and south parts of the fire. Established guard lines around priority areas continue to hold. Heavy smoke conditions limited the ability for aircraft to safely operate today, due to visibility concerns. Tomorrow’s forecast expects more hot and dry conditions with moderate winds, resulting in a red flag warning. Firefighters will continue to focus on safely reinforcing priority areas, working on extinguishing hot spots to limit fire spread.
- The last recorded size is approximately 130, 000 hectares.
- Heavy equipment continues make good progress on sections of the fire perimeter to build guard lines, which are being reinforced by firefighters.
- Firefighters have completed a successful controlled burn technique to create a containment boundary along highway 35 south of High Level, highway 58 west of High Level and the fire perimeter, as weather conditions allowed firefighters to do so.
- Alberta Wildfire firefighters in conjunction with municipal firefighters, along with air support from helicopters and airtankers continue to work hard to contain the fire. The main area of spread remains away from town. There have been no homes or businesses damaged to date but the threat remains.
- The High Level Fire Department and other municipal firefighters have set up sprinklers on the southwest and northwest side of town. In addition, structural protection has been completed on Mackenzie County homes southeast of High Level, Tolko and Norbord.
- Structural firefighters have also been taking preventive measures on homes. This includes removing debris from yards, removing patio furniture from decks and other flammable material.
- There are 168 structural firefighters that continue to establish and maintain structural protection on homes in the Town of High Level and on other critical values at risk within Mackenzie County. Alberta Wildfire has 420, firefighters along with 28 helicopters on this fire. There are more resources arriving daily.
- Atco has restored power supply and is supporting normal operations to Mackenzie County, Town of High Level, La Crete, Fort Vermilion & Dene Tha’ First Nation. Atco has secured large-scale backup generators that can be drawn on to provide power to communities, if needed.
The next update will be at 11:00 A.M, or if conditions change.
TOWN OF HIGH LEVEL | UPDATE
The Town of High Level has issued an Evacuation Order for the town as of May 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. For more info please continue to monitor the Town of High Level Website at www.highlevel.ca, call 780-926-2201 (Monitored from 8am-10pm) or visit Alberta Emergency Alert for more updates.
MACKENZIE COUNTY | UPDATE
A mandatory evacuation was issued for Steen River residents. All evacuees must register at the La Crete Reception Centre located at 15411-1060 TWP RD, south of La Crete or call (780) 928-4447.
The mandatory evacuation for Mackenzie County rural residents south and southeast of the Town of High Level and the Town of High Level remains in effect due to the Chuckegg Creek Fire.
The Mackenzie County Incident Command Centre is open at the Fort Vermilion County office (4511-46 Avenue) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and the phone number for inquiries is (780) 927-3718. For all public notifications, please follow the Mackenzie County Facebook page.
ALBERTA TRANSPORTATION
Highway 35, 7km north of Steen River is closed to the Northwest Territories border. Traffic heading southbound will be held at Enterprise in NWT. Highway 35 is also closed south of High Level as well as Highway 58 west, due to the Chuckegg Creek Wildfire. 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 is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Winds will continue to shift bringing smoky conditions. Issued by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Parks, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
As of 6:00 p.m. on May 16, 2019, a Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction is in effect for the High Level Forest Area. Due to warmer temperatures, gusty winds and no significant rain 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.
Victoria Ostendorf
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Call - 310-4455
Mobile: 1-866-394-3743
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