The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 24, humidity of 30%, chance of showers, and light winds at SE10. We received a few scattered showers today, but nothing significant enough to reduce the wildfire danger. Happily, some of the showers landed on Burnt Lake Fire! The status of Burnt Lake fire changed to BEING HELD this evening. Congratulations to all of our firefighters for their hard work since May 22 in getting the wildfire to this stage. Now for the very long process of mopping up the fire!
Local Wildfires:
In the last 24 hours there has been one new wildfire start in the Lac La Biche Wildfire Management Area. LWF-144 is under control at 0.01 hectares in size. This fire is north of Round Hill. There are four other fires, all small and under control, from earlier in the season.
LWF 122 - Burnt Lake Fire (approx. 40 km north of Cold Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range)
The status of this fire was changed to BEING HELD this evening. This is a major milestone! This wildfire began 18 days ago, on May 22nd, and is 31,997 hectares in size. The growth over yesterday's reported size is due to unburnt fingers or strips between burnt areas finally burning today on the north side of the fire. Fire guard extends around 90% of the fire (portion on the north side remains).
How many firefigthers are working on this fire? Currently there are 343 firefighters fighting this wildfire, including firefighters from British Columbia and Parks Canada as well as 19 aircraft and various pieces of heavy equipment.
Current activity on the fire: There are areas of open flame (torching) within the perimeter of the fire which is creating smoke. Firefighters continue to work in safe areas, moving from the perimeter to the centre of the wildfire, putting out smoldering ground fires (hotspots) and extinguishing any open flames as they come across them. They are using various hand tools including shovels, water packs, axes and their hands! Helicopters are helping by transporting crew members and bucketing on the wildfire when needed. Heavy equipment continues to work on creating a fire guard around the perimeter.
Some industry employees are able to re-enter the Cold Lake Weapons Range (CLWR) where wildfire is not affecting facilities. Access to areas within the wildfire is permitted upon application, contact your respective company to find out your status.
What is the plan for tomorrow? We are working to complete the guard on the north side of the fire. We will continue working from the perimeter to the interior of the wildfire working to completely extinguish the burn.
LWF 126 - Pony Creek Fire (located approx. 3 km south west of Chard)
This wildfire started May 25th and because of the hard work of our firefighters it has grown very little since then. As of June 1st, it has been classified as being held at 3,001 hectares in size.
How many firefighters are working on this fire? There are currently154 firefighters including some from Ontario and British Columbia as well as 9 helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment.
Current activity on the fire: firefighters continue the hard work of being on the ground, searching for smoldering ground fires (hotspots) and extinguishing them. Firefighters on air patrols are identifying and bucketing on open flames that start from hotspots.
ASK-001 (The David Wildfire) (located both in Saskatchewan and in Alberta, around Garson Lake)
Status: The wildfire remains classified as out of control at 11,278 hectares in Alberta and 36,554 hectares in Saskatchewan.
Current activity on the wildfire: Saskatchewan firefighters are working on establishing and reinforcing fire guards around the perimeter of the wildfire with the help of heavy equipment. They are working to bring this wildfire under control.
Our wildfire managers are in communication with our Saskatchewan counterparts and continue to receive daily updates. Here is the latest map:
We have 14 crews, 12 helicopters, airtankers and various heavy equipment positioned across the area to quickly attack new wildfire starts.
Forest conditions are extremely dry and volatile. Wildfires can start easily and grow quickly under these conditions. We cannot control the weather but we can control the start of a wildfire. Your co-operation with the local fire restriction or ban helps keep our firefighters free to fight new wildfire starts.
If you live or work with in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) be aware that a provincial fire restriction is in place. Check albertafirebans.ca to learn more.
Other jurisdictions, including towns, summer villages, counties and provincial parks, have issued fire restrictions or bans. Restrictions differ between each municipality. To find out how you are affected albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information about your local ban or restriction.
What can you do to help?
Abide by the local fire restriction or ban. If you are using an Off-highway Vehicle during your day, periodically stop and check your vehicle for the build-up of grass, branches or debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire. Learn more here.
Your next update will be June 10th, unless conditions change.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski | Forest Information Officer
780.623.9758