The wildfire hazard for the area is MODERATE.
A cold front crossed the area this afternoon bring increased winds and some light precipitation along with it. The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 18 degrees, humidity of 35%, chance of rain, and winds NE15.
LWF 122, Burnt Lake Fire, is under control. Most industry has returned to work. There is still some smouldering ground fire and crews continue to action the hotspots. Firefighters are working on the fire in a systematic approach, working on a 200 foot band around the perimeter of the fire. This is slow work but crews are making steady progress.
LWF 126, 147 and 148, Pony Creek Complex, continue to make good progress. Crews are working on a grid system on LWF 126, to identify and extinguish hot spots using recent scan data. LWF 147 is also at the grid and cold trail stage. LWF 148 (Under Control at 23 hectares) has the most activity of all three fires. Crews are working to extinguish hot spots and flaring along the perimeter of the fire and are watching for any spot fires beyond the perimeter containment lines the dozers made last week. Heavy equipment is assisting ground crews to open up windrows and brush piles to expose smouldering fire.
Saskatchewan/David Fire around Garson Lake remains out of control at 11,278 hectares on the Alberta side and 36,554 hectares on the Saskatchewan side. There was no new update on this fire today.
The Rest of the Area
We had no new wildfires today. There is one other fire in the area, under control, from earlier in the month.
We have 14 crews and 4 helicopters across the area, ready to fight any new wildfires. Our other crews are working on Burnt Lake fire and the Pony Creek Complex fires.
Be FireSmart
Now is a great time to think about what you would have done if a wildfire was threatening your community or property and you had to evacuate. What would you have taken with you? What would you have done to help your property withstand a wildfire?
Here are five things you can do to be FireSmart:
1. Remove all long grass and shrubs, logs, branches, twigs and needles within 10 meters of your home. This creates a defensible space designed to stop wildfire before it gets to your house.
2. Have a nearby water supply for emergencies. A pond or dugout with hose and pump, or even a tap with a hose that will reach your house and roof.
3. Move your firewodd pile so it's a minimum of 10 meters from any buildings.
4. Ensure your roof is free from needles and leaves, and there are no overhanging trees or branches that can catch on fire and transfer to your home.
5. Make sure your chimney is up to code and has a spark arresting screen installed.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758