High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update | June 12, 2019 at 8:00 pm

Posted on Wed, Jun 12, 2019

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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). 

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HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE UPDATE | JUNE 12, 2019 AT 8:00 P.M.

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 270, 860 hectares.
  • The Jackpot Creek Wildfire (HWF-066) around Steen River remains Out of Control (OC) at 28,167 hectares. This fire grew today.  The new size will be available tomorrow.
  • Fire (HWF075), is located approximately 42 km southeast of South Tall Cree, east of highway 88. This fire is Under Control at 18 hectares. There are 24 firefighters with air support from 3 helicopters. There is no threat to any communities. 

Click here for a map of all fire locations and statuses 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 11:00 A.M., or if conditions change.

BE PREPARED, STAY INFORMED.


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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 | JUNE 12, 2019 AT 8:00 P.M.

The smoke lifted about 11am today, allowing helicopters with buckets to support firefighters on the ground.  Under clear skies and with warm temperatures and light winds, fire behavior picked up in intensity quite quickly.  The south (near Paddle Prairie), west, and east sides (north of the Peace River and south of the Boyer River) of the fire were active today, with trees torching under the extreme weather conditions.  Firefighters and helicopters with buckets worked to control hotspots on the south side and in other priority areas. 

Winds were favorable and the ignition operation planned for the west side was carried out successfully this afternoon.  Smoke was visible at about 3:30 and ash, carried by the wind, was reported to be landing south of the Town of High Level and in other areas.  Firefighters and dozer groups made good progress today on the southwest. 

Dozers continued to strengthen the contingency guard along the northeast and the east; they will work through the night to finish these lines of defense. Firefighters also continued to build containment lines along Highways 25 and 58, and north of Highway 58, west of High Level.

Weather for tomorrow has been downgraded from a Red Flag Warning to a Red Flag Watch, due to a slight decrease in humidity.  The forecast for tomorrow is for 24 degrees, 30% humidity, winds from the west/northwest at 15 to 20 km/hr.  There is a risk of lightning.  This means there is potential for extreme fire behavior again tomorrow, particularly on the east side. Communities east and southeast of the fire can expect smoke and limited visibility. 

  • The last recorded size is approximately 270, 860 hectares.
  • Alberta Wildfire has 716 firefighters and personnel. With 41 helicopters and 129 pieces of heavy equipment.

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THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE | JUNE 12, 2019 at 8:00 P.M.

This fire saw significant growth today to the north.  Tankers worked on the north side, trying to control this growth.  The fire was also active on the south side today.  Dozers and ignition operations are planned for tomorrow, as conditions allow.  Fire size will be updated tomorrow, once the smoke clears and there is an opportunity to measure the new perimeter.

  • There are 84 firefighters and 10 helicopters working on this fire.
  • The last recorded size is 28,167 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

The County of Northern Lights has issued a number of evacuation alerts for the area.  For more information and updates on their status, download the Alberta Emergency Alert app, listen to the local radio station or visit the County of Northern Lights website: www.countyofnorthernlights.com or the County’s facebook page www.facebook.com/countyofnorthernlights.

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 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.

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Leslie Lozinski | Wildfire Information Officer | Chuckegg Creek 

Mobile: 780-623-9758

1-866-FYI-FIRE

leslie.lozinski@gov.ab.ca

 

Stephanie Grocholski | Wildfire Information Officer | High Level Forest Area

Mobile: 780-926-7509

1-866-FYI-FIRE

stephanie.grocholski@gov.ab.ca

 

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