High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update | July 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Posted on Mon, Jul 15, 2019

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A Fire Advisory remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area.
Use caution within the Forest Protection Area. To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473). The Jackpot Creek fire is Under Control (UC).

HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA UPDATE | JULY 15, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M.

There are currently 3 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires, 1 is Out of Control (OC), and 2 are Under Control (UC). (See below for details on the Chuckegg Creek wildfire). Click here for a map of all fire locations and their status within the High Level Forest Area.

NOTE: Unless conditions change, the next update will be at 7:00 p.m. on July 16, 2019.

Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are positioned throughout the High Level Forest Area to respond to any new wildfire starts.

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CHUCKEGG CREEK WILDFIRE UPDATE | JULY 15, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M.

The Chuckegg Creek wildfire will continue to be an active wildfire situation. As a result, smoke may be present along nearby highways and communities. Please use caution as you travel through these areas to ensure the safety of firefighters, support staff, and community residents.

Today was another good firefighting day as limited growth occurred within the fire's perimeter. The focus for firefighters remains on the east and northeast portions, as they continue to be the most active areas.

Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to make progress in establishing guard along the eastern portion of the fire using a large water delivery system that features large pumps, water tanks, a large water reservoir and sprinklers. This system is being utilized for sprinkler operations that will be running 24/7 to help flood the area where the fire is burning in deep peat moss. Having this operation in place will continue to aid firefighters with direct attack on the fire perimeter. Heavy equipment and helicopters also continue to support firefighting efforts where needed.

Progress continues to be made on the west, south, and southeast side as firefighters continue with direct attack extinguishing hotspots and mopping-up 100 feet inward south of Highway 58. In the southwest, hose lay, mop-up and extinguishing hotspots is ongoing. In the southern end of the wildfire, high-altitude scanning continues to aid firefighters in finding hotspots and they continue to extinguish hotspots in priority areas.

  • The last recorded size is 333,480 hectares.
  • There are 1,348 firefighters and support staff, 46 helicopters and 123 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.

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FIRE ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA

A Fire Advisory remains in effect due to ongoing wildfire activity within the High Level Forest Area.

  • Safe Campfires are currently allowed
  • Current seasonal permits issued until October 31, 2019 remain valid
  • New permits will only be issued for:
    • smudges
    • burn barrels
    • light yard debris
    • root piles/rows

To get a fire permit please call 780-926-5407 and leave a detailed message including your home address, burn location and what you plan to burn. A patrolman will contact you to arrange a site visit.

Visit albertafirebans.ca for more information or download the new Alberta Fire Bans mobile app.


PROVINCIAL SUMMARY | JULY 15, 2019

There are currently 14 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Of these fires; 1 is out of control, 1 is being held, 8 are under control and 4 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 728 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 802,348 hectares.


ALERTS AND EVACUATIONS | BE PREPARED, STAY INFORMED

Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app or visit their website by clicking here. You can also check with the county, the town or your local community to see if new alerts or evacuation orders have been issued.


ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION

To stay informed on all road closure information visit the Alberta Transportation website or download the mobile app.

SMOKE ISSUES

Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta has caused poor air quality and reducing visibility at times. Winds will continue to shift bringing smoky conditions. For health related smoke issues, please visit Alberta Health Services.


PUBLIC SAFETY - WILDFIRE OPERATIONS

During an active wildfire, the highest priority is the safety of the public and wildfire personnel. Please refrain from entering areas of active wildfire suppression. If you encounter aircraft or helicopter bucketing operations on a water body please move your boat to shore.   

The airspace around a wildfire is restricted via NOTAM in a radius of 9 kilometres to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level. It is illegal to operate any aircraft not associated with wildfire suppression within the restricted area, including drones. Do not fly drones or UAVs near or within the perimeter of an active wildfire. When a drone is near a wildfire it endangers firefighting personnel and important aerial firefighting operations will be grounded.  Those caught in violation can be subject to an automatic court appearance and a fine of up to $100,000. 

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Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer

High Level Forest Area

Phone: 780-841-9387

1-866-FYI-FIRE

victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca


Matt Bell | Wildfire Information Officer (Chuckegg Creek wildfire)

Phone: 587-986-4985

matt.bell@gov.ab.ca


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