High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update | June 13, 2019 at 8:00 PM

Posted on Thu, Jun 13, 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). 

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 271, hectares.
  • The Jackpot Creek Wildfire (HWF-066) around Steen River remains Out of Control (OC) at 43,977 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. 

Chuckegg crew photo

This photo shows a BC crew being briefed before they pitch in to help with the wildfire.  Notice the massive log deck in the background!

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.

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 

Slightly cooler temperatures today accompanied by some cloud and a smattering of rain in places, helped reduce fire activity today. 

  • Firefighters and heavy equipment made good progress containing the fire north of Highway 58.  This is important in light of the southeast winds coming on the weekend. 
  • An ignition planned for this afternoon on the west side did not happen due to unfavorable weather conditions.  Instead crews worked in this area creating guard and cleaning up unburned vegetation along the perimeter of the fire.
  • Still on the west side, but slightly to the south, dozers are working to complete guard.  There was lots of smoke in this area today and the fire was actively burning.
  • On the south side of the fire, south and east of Paddle Prairie, the fire continues to burn and smoulder in the bogs.  There is lots of smoke here however the fire is not moving quickly here.
  • Crews continued to work in and around Paddle Prairie today.  There are many hotspots around the community, danger trees, and smoke.  Getting the community safe for residents to return is a top priority for our firefighters.
  • On the east side of the Peace River, dozers and crews worked to tie guard into agricultural land, reducing the potential for fire spread.  It was very smokey in this area today.
  • On the east side, west of the Peace River, the fire remains behind the contingency guard.  Spots from yesterday were monitored.  There is a solid guard north from the contingency guard, further north along the east side.
  • Night operations with the dozer groups will continue tonight.

The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 20 degrees, with humidity at 40%, winds N/NW 15-20 km/hr.  There is another chance for thundershowers in the afternoon, but little chance of rain.  There is a ridge building which means we expect warmer and drier weather on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Southeast winds are expected as well.  We will also be watchful for new wildfire starts in the coming days resulting from lightning today.

As a point of interest, we need about five millimeters or more of rain per day, for four days to reduce the wildfire danger rating from Extreme to High.  

    • The last recorded size is approximately 271,321 hectares. The map below is from last night.
    • Alberta Wildfire has 837 firefighters and personnel, 46 helicopters and 153 pieces of heavy equipment working on this wildfire.

THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE 

This fire saw significant growth to the north and south yesterday.  Today heavy equipment worked to establish dozer guard on the west side of the northern excursion from yesterday. Crews are working to build guard to limit the spread to the south. Potential ignition operations are scheduled for tomorrow for the south. There was little growth today due to increased humidity levels and some cloud cover. The fire received some precipitation today in the form of isolated thundershowers.

  • There are 84 firefighters and 10 helicopters working on this fire.
  • The last recorded size is 43,977 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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