High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update | July 23, 2019 at 8:00 p.m.

Posted on Tue, Jul 23, 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 23, 2019 AT 8:00 P.M.

There are currently 21 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires, 8 are Out of Control (OC), 5 are Being Held (BH) and 8 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 11:00 a.m. on July 24, 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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Finding and extinguishing hotspots - July 23, 2019

CHUCKEGG CREEK WILDFIRE UPDATE | JULY 23, 2019 AT 8:00 P.M.

  • Last recorded size: 351,856.08 hectares
  • Fire perimeter: 628.97 km
  • There are 579 firefighters and support staff, 44 helicopters and 61 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.
    *Fire size and perimeter are subject to change based on clearer visibility for high-altitude scanning.

Heavy smoke may occur along Highway 35 south and Highway 58 east of High Level. Please use caution as you're traveling through these areas and consider slowing down as you pass through.

If you have any health concerns related to smoke activity, please contact Alberta Health Services for assistance or call 811.

A mandatory evacuation has been issued for a small number of residents. For more information, visit the Mackenzie County Facebook page.

Another quiet day despite the extreme fire behaviour as smoky conditions kept most of the fire at bay throughout the day. Active portions experienced minimal growth but smoky conditions made it difficult for firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment to make considerable progress on the perimeter. Fireguard continues to be built around the excursion between Devil Lake and Surette Lake, which is expected to be completed within the next day or two.

The planned controlled ignition operation did not occur today, as the right conditions were not available to proceed. Ignition specialists will assess the situation again later this evening and determine if any further burning can be completed tonight. Please follow the Mackenzie County Facebook page for any developments surrounding those operations.

Weather should improve slightly tomorrow as relative humidity levels should increase overnight, making for slightly cooler temperatures of 20 degrees with a relative humidity of at least 50%. Winds will shift early in the morning and will be coming from northeast/northwest at 25 km/hr. Mixed with the relative humidity levels, this change in wind direction should help suppression efforts as the fire spread should be pushed back into itself.

Even with the change in weather conditions, please remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings while traveling near the fire.

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Alberta rappel crew walking the line for their next assignment

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Did you know?
Our team of ignition specialists come with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The team of five specialists comes with over 180 years of fireline and fire management experience!

Although the Chuckegg Creek wildfire has not completely burned the entire interior of the fire, the current perimeter is over 610 km around - that's like driving from Edmonton to Calgary, and back!
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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.

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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 will remain valid
  • New permits will only be issued for smudges and 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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