High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update | July 18, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.

Posted on Thu, Jul 18, 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 18, 2019 AT 4:30 P.M.

There are currently 9 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires, 2 are Out of Control (OC), 3 are Being Held (BH) and 4 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.

Wildfires of note:

  • Fire (HWF126) is located 20 km northwest of Zama City and is classified as Out of Control (OC) at 15 hectares. There are 10 firefighters, 2 helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment working on this fire. There is no threat to any communities at this time. 
  • Fire (HWF124) is located 10 km southeast of High Level and is Being Held (BH) at 4 hectares. There are 21 firefighters and 2 helicopters working on this fire. There is no risk to communities at this time.
  • Fire (HWF113) is located 62 km southeast of the Town of Rainbow Lake and is Out of Control (OC) at 132 hectares. There are 25 firefighters with the support of airtankers working on this fire. There is no risk to communities at this time.
  • The Jackpot Creek wildfire (HWF-066) is located north of Lutose and is Under Control (UC) at 74,331 hectares. There are 42 firefighters and 17 helicopters working on this fire.

NOTE: Unless conditions change, the next update will be at 7:00 p.m. on July 18, 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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Fire activity during the ignition burn along the west side of the Peace River - Chuckegg Creek (July 17, 2019)

CHUCKEGG CREEK WILDFIRE UPDATE | JULY 18, 2019 AT 11:00 A.M.

No major change from last night's update, as firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment will continue working on establishing containment lines along priority zones, specifically within the eastern portion of the fire. The planned ignition burn went very well yesterday and is expected to continue today, pending the right conditions.

Temperatures are expected to reach 26 degrees with a relative humidity of 35%. Winds will be from the north/northeast at 20-25 km/hr., which should allow the fire to burn back into itself on the north side of the fire, helping suppression efforts along the perimeter. Because of the expected wind shift, residents in the Paddle Prairie area may experience a dramatic increase in smoke.

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Did you know?
Strategic ignition burning has many benefits to firefighting efforts. Burning off sections near a fire's perimeter reduces the strength a wildfire can develop if exposed to the right fuel type, helping containment efforts for firefighters on the ground.

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Although the ignition burn is taking place near the water delivery system on the eastern side, it's still proving to be a very effective tool in limiting spread along the southern portion of the horseshoe. Large pumps, water tanks, a large water reservoir and sprinklers are being utilized for sprinkler operations and 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.

Fire activity is ongoing within the perimeter of the fire, however all of the containment lines on the west, south, and southeast sides continue to be holding well. Firefighters are working hard with direct attack, extinguishing hotspots and mopping-up 100 feet inward south of Highway 58. Hose lay, mop-up and extinguishing hotspots continues on the southwest side, as firefighters are making great progress securing that side. In the southern end, high-altitude scanning continues to aid firefighters in finding priority area hotspots to address and extinguish.

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 and community residents.

  • The last recorded size is 338,648 hectares.
  • There are 921 firefighters and support staff, 48 helicopters and 125 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 the hotter temperatures, no significant rainfall and the ongoing wildfire activity within the High Level Forest Area.

Current short term permits will not be renewed and all permit holders with root rows/root piles need to ensure all piles are extinguished prior to the expiry of their permit.

  • 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

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.


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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Kevin Kuhn | Wildfire Information Officer 

High Level Forest Area

Phone: 780-843-5846

1-866-FYI-FIRE

k.kuhn@mistikenvironmental.com


Matt Bell | Wildfire Information Officer (Chuckegg Creek wildfire)

Phone: 587-986-4985

1-866-FYI-FIRE

matt.bell@gov.ab.ca


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