WILDFIRE DANGER
Today, thunderstorms and scattered showers are forecast across the Edson Forest Area, maximum temperature will be 17 degrees C, the relative humidity will remain high, and the wind will be W 15-20 km/h. Until enough rain is on the ground, the wildfire danger remains high.
If you seem smoke in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
WILDFIRE SITUATION | June 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.
Currently, there are 2 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area.
The Quigley Creek Wildfire (EWF-077) - Classified as out of control at 1,274 hectares in size. 25% contained. No communities are threatened.
No significant changes on the wildfire over night, it has not grown in size since the evening of June 27, 2018. Please note, the size of the fire has changed, because, as smoke clears we are able to get more a accurate size measurement.
Heavy equipment worked through the night, strengthening the existing fireguard along the northern perimeter of the wildfire. The wildfire remains 25 per cent contained, meaning given the current weather, number of firefighters, and other equipment, 25 per cent of the fire is holding and not spreading.
Location of the wildfire remains approximately:
- 15 km south east of Hinton
- 28 km north west of Robb
- 60 km west/south west of Edson
- 6 km from McLeod Campground (Km 35 Robb Road)
Today, 200 firefighters, and 9 helicopters will be working on the north and southwest perimeters of the wildfire. They will be extinguishing smouldering ground fires, while helicopters bucket on areas of open flame. Heavy equipment will be working on the south side of the wildfire, creating new areas of fireguard. Fireguard is a strategically planned barrier, intended to stop or slow the rate of spread of a fire. Once fireguard is established, firefighters can work from the constructed barrier towards the interior of the fire, working to control it.
Image: Firefighters preparing gear for a long day on the fireline. They yellow bags are filled with hose, and the brown boxes hold extra. Portable pumps and suction hoses are essential to move water around the forest.
Alberta Wildfire continues to work closely with Yellowhead County, Town of Hinton, Town of Edson, Alberta Parks, industry partners, and the RCMP to ensure public and firefighter safety. Please be aware, certain areas cannot be entered.
Road Closures
For the most up to date information visit 511.alberta.ca, or the Alberta 511 App. In addition, to the 511 report, the following roads are being used for firefighting operations and are not accessible to the public.
- Robb Road, between Hinton and Robb
- Mercoal and Pembina Roads, north of Highway 47
- Gregg River Road
- Hargwen Road south of Highway 16
See the area access map, including locations of information stations and check point sites.
Campground Closures
- McLeod River
- Fickle Lake
- Gregg Cabin Group
Please see albertaparks.ca for more information.
Note: Random camping west of Highway 47 is discouraged due to the uncontrolled wildfire, and firefighting operations. We recommend people do not enter these areas and find alternative routes or destinations.
Thank you to everyone for your compliance and understanding while we work to bring this wildfire under control.
Hinton Information Station
- Located at the Green Square, it will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wildfire EWF-065 is located just south of the Coal Valley Mine, and is currently under control at 2.57 hectares in size. No communities or infrastructure are threatened. Firefighters will continue to monitor the wildfire until it is extinguished.
For information on other wildfires in the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
SMOKE CONCERNS AND LAKE USE
Smoke from the Quigley Creek Wildfire (EWF-077) may drift into surrounding communities, if you have smoke related health concerns, please call 811 or visit Alberta Health Services.
Fickle Lake is being used for fighting the Quigley Creek Wildfire, please give way to aircraft while they are using the lake. Best practice is to quickly move towards shore when aircraft approach. Stay within 30 metres of the shoreline until aircraft are finished.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Albertans are always asked to use caution when out working or enjoying the forest within the Forest Protection Area. Please remember to:
- Clear debris from hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle.
- Ensure your campfire is out - Soak it, Stir it, Soak it Again.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be published daily at 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. If you do not have access to the internet to receive the wildfire updates, please call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).
For more information, contact:
Shannon Stambaugh780.706.5336