Rocky Mountain House Area Update

Rocky Forest Area - Siffleur Falls Trail Partially Re-Opened

Posted on Wed, Aug 15, 2018

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The Alberta Wildfire App issue has been solved. For up to date information on the wildfire situation in Alberta download the free Alberta Wildfire App for your mobile device. 

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With the amount of smoke in the air, it is difficult to detect new wildfires. We ask that you are especially careful when lighting and extinguishing campfires, and that if you see a wildfire call 310-FIRE as soon as possible.

Smoke in the air

  • Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia has returned to the province and Rocky Forest Area today. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit the Alberta Air Quality Health Index for additional info. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast. 
  • For more information on road conditions, please visit https://511.alberta.ca/map.html

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is now MODERATE in the Rocky Forest Area, with regions of HIGH wildfire danger south of the David Thompson Highway.

As a reminder, please do not leave your campfires unattended, and make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving them by soaking them, stirring the ashes, and soaking the ashes again to ensure they are cool to the touch before leaving the site. 


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Due to continued hot and dry conditions, a fire advisory is in effect as of 10:00am on August 7, 2018 for the Rocky Forest Area.

  • All fire permits are suspended
  • No new permits will be issued
  • Safe campfires are allowed

WILDFIRE SITUATION  |  August 15, 2018   |   5:30 p.m. 

Rocky Forest Area

  • Skeleton Creek Wildfire (RWF-049): This wildfire is now listed as being held. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.

    The cause of this fire has been determined as lightning.

    This wildfire is burning along Skeleton Creek approximately 2 km northwest of Scalp Creek Natural Area. The size of the wildfire is approximately 1,243 hectares. Alberta Wildfire is currently fighting this wildfire using firefighters, helicopters and and heavy equipment.

    As a result of this wildfire, Clearwater Trail, Scalp Creek Trail and trail south of Lost Guide Lake are closed effective immediately. This wildfire did not experience significant growth today.

  • As a precaution, the Bighorn Creek Campground was closed by Parks Canada on Friday and will remain closed through the coming weekend. In addition, YMCA Camp Gray Jay voluntarily evacuated campers, staff and horses as a precaution. The southern edge of the wildfire is approximately 2 km northwest of the Scalp Creek Natural Area and 12 km northwest of the Red Deer River. The north edge is approximately 3.5 km south of the Clearwater River. This wildfire is not threatening any communities or roads.
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  • Porcupine Wildfire (RWF-045): This wildfire is located in the Siffleur Wilderness Area, and is being held. The wildfire is approximately 1,884 hectares in size. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is working closely with Alberta Parks to manage this wildfire. This wildfire did not experience significant growth today, as wet and cooler temperatures remain in the area. There are no values at risk from this wildfire.
  • Please note the Siffleur Falls Trail has been re-opened up to the second set of falls. within the Kootenay Ecological Reserve. The trail beyond that point remains closed due to proximity to the wildfire in the Siffleur Wildnerness Area. 

Rocky Forest Area Situation
  • Since March 1, 2018 there have been 52 wildfires in the Rocky Forest Area that have burned a total of 3,140.59 hectares.

Provincial Situation

  • There are currently 18 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 1 is out of control, 4 are being held, 9 are under control and 4 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
  • Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 1,124 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 52,302.84 hectares. 

Alberta Emergency Alerts

  • Alberta Emergency Alerts provides you with critical information about an immediate disaster, where it is occurring and what action you need to take. You can visit their website at http://www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca/ or download the Alberta Emergency Alerts (AEA) app for Apple or Android to stay up to date and in the know.

 
Download AlbertaFireBans for the latest up-to-date information on fire bans across the province. Download the mobile app today for Apple and Android.  

Derek Gagnon
Rocky Forest Area
Department of Agriculture and Forestry
P 780.499.8178
May the Forest be with you

 

 

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