The wildfire hazard is HIGH for tomorrow.
The unstable weather over the area continues. Tomorrow we expect a high of 26, humidity of 35%, high lightning potential, and winds from the SE at 15 km/hr. Thunderstorm activity has been the cause of many wildfires across the area for the past several days.
We had one new wildfire this afternoon. This fire, in the Kirby Lake area, is 23.5 hectares and is currently classified as out of control. Ground crews, helicopters with buckets and several air tankers have been working on this fire for several hours. Heavy equipment is on the way to the fire. Crews have hose along the west flank of the fire and the tankers spread retardant along the east flank of the fire. There is currently some torching in the trees and smouldering ground fire. Helicopters are bucketing on the torching trees.
Below is a photo of the smoke from LWF 097 earlier this afternoon. Note our firefighter and the hose in the foreground.
We have 11 crews, nine helicopters, the air tankers and two dozer units on hand to fight any new wildfires.
As we head into another few days of hot and dry weather with lightning potential, please be careful with any fires and with your quads. You play a large role in protecting Alberta's forest.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please call:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758