Evacuation Update
Alberta Emergency Alert | May 16 @ 2:00 p.m.
Local road closures will be in effect for the evacuation area. Everyone is advised to stay away from the evacuated zone. Road blocks have been set up and the RCMP is patrolling the evacuated zone. Highway 43 is affected but visibility in the Little Smoky area may be low. All non-essential travel in the area should be avoided.
The mandatory evacuation notice for the M.D. of Greenview south of the Hamlet of Little Smoky is still in effect. Both sides of Highway 43 are being evacuated from Township Roads 650 to 664 and Range Roads 215 to 210 (Legal Land Description: Township 66 21 5 south of the Iosegun River and Township 65 21 5).
Evacuees are to report to the reception centre at the Paradise Inn, Valleyview. Rooms are available at the Paradise Inn. Evacuees who do not want to stay at the hotel should still register with Greenview at the Paradise Inn so that we know you are safe. Small animals can be brought to the hotel.
The Valleyview Agricultural Society has arranged to shelter large animals and outside pets at the Valleyview Agricultural Grounds. Individuals who need to arrange stock trailers can contact Mel McFadyen with the Valleyview Agricultural Society at 780-524-9352.
The Town of Fox Creek Office is also registering evacuees. Individuals who have evacuated to Fox Creek should contact the Town of Fox Creek Office at 102 Kaybob Drive to register.
The evacuation order does not apply to the Town of Fox Creek or the Hamlet of Little Smoky. Evacuation supports are available only for people who are officially registered and who live in the official evacuation zone.
For current information regarding alerts, see mdgreenview.ab.ca or http://www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca/.
You can also follow the M.D. of Greenview on thier FaceBook page, Twitter@mdgreenview16 or Instagram (@md_greenview).
Wildfire Update
Whitecourt Forest Area Update | May 16 @ 2:00 p.m.
There are two wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
The wildfire in the Little Smoky area (WWF-025) - started at 1:00 p.m. May 15. It is classified as OUT CONTROL, it has not grown and remains 900 hectares in size. The fire is expected to grow on the north-side of the fire; there continues to be no growth on the south-side (where the Town of Fox Creek is located).
A NOTAM has been issued for the air space around the wildfire WWF025 for air operations. All aircraft require permission to enter the air space. It is in effect until May 24 at 12:00hrs. Read more here.
During the overnight period, heavy equipment were able to establish fireguard on the south west and north east section of the wildfire.
This afternoon, the wind will by gusting 25-50 kilometres per hour, the wildfire is expected to grow during this period. Currently, the wildfire is still approximately 8.7 kilometres south east of the nearest community. No critical infrastructure are threatened at this time.
44 firefighters and various pieces of heavy equipment continue to focus their efforts on the southwest portion of the wildfire, the safest way to work on extinguishing it. As they get the south-end secured, they will continue working north. The north west front of the wildfire remains the most active - five helicopters and eight airtankers are working on that area.
Smoke in the Air
If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
No one knows for sure when disaster will strike.
The one thing we can do is be prepared. Create your own 72-hour emergency kit, and you will have the necessary items to help you and your family until emergency responders can reach you. Visit www.aema.alberta.ca/72-hour-emergency-kit.
Wildfire Hazard
The wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area has increased to EXTREME. This means a wildfire will start easily and increase quickly in intensity.
Under the current dry conditions even the slightest wind makes the forest more receptive to wildfire - the potential for extreme fire intensity and erratic behavior also increases.
Every precaution is being taken to ensure no new preventable wildfires start - these would put additional strain on firefighters. Please follow the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Restriction.
Fire Ban Remains in Effect
The Whitecourt Forest Area remains under a Fire Ban. The Fire Ban was amended on May 13 and applies to northern and central Alberta. This includes all counties, municipal districts and special areas, as well as provincial parks and recreation areas. For more information visit beta.albertafirebans.ca.
All existing Fire Permits continue to be canceled intheWhitecourt Forest Area and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve.
NOTE: The fire ban does not apply to cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands, such as national parks. A county or municipal district may decide to add additional restrictions – please check the new Alberta Fire Ban website at beta.albertafirebans.ca for more information.
Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction
As of noon on May 13, the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for recreational use on all public lands within the northern portion of the province of Alberta are still restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires. This applies to the Whitecourt Forest Area.
- Off-highway vehicles are defined as any all-terrain vehicle (ATV), four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles and related two-wheel vehicles and amphibious machines.
- If Albertan's are witnessing restricted OHV activities they can call the Report a Poacher Line at 1-800-642-3800.
- For more information you can visit emergency.alberta.ca.
Your next update will be on May 16, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.
