The Chuckegg and Jackpot Creek Wildfires remain Out of Control. Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction continues due to the area receiving only scattered showers. Report new wildfires by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA UPDATE | JUNE 23, 2019 AT 10:30 AM
There are 5 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires; 2 are Out of Control (OC), 2 are Being Held (BH) and 1 is Under Control (UC). (For info regarding Chuckegg Creek and the Jackpot Creek fires please see below.) Click here for a map of all fire locations and their status within the High Level Forest Area.
Wildfires of note;
- Fire number, HWF091, is classified as Being Held (BH) and is located approximately 5 km southeast of the community of Fox Lake at 196 hectares in size. There are 36 firefighters, with 3 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire. Minimal growth has been reported as the fire received some rain.
- Fire number, HWF088, is classified as Being Held (BH) and is located 10 km northwest of Hutch Lake. This fire is 216 hectares in size. The fire saw minimal growth today due to the cooler temperatures and the fire receiving some more rain. Heavy equipment continues to establish a fireguard around the fire perimeter. There are 39 firefighters, 5 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire.
***The next update will be at 8 p.m., or if conditions change.
Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are positioned throughout the High Level Forest Area to respond to any new wildfire starts. Please report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE.
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.
WEATHER
The forecast for today is calling for a high of 20 degrees, 45% humidity, winds out of the N/NW at 20 km/hr gusting to 40 km/hr, and a chance of thundershowers. The forecast is the similar for the next several days. There is no organized or widespread rain in the forecast, just scattered showers.
CHUCKEGG CREEK FIRE UPDATE | JUNE 23, 2019 AT 10:30 AM
There was little growth on the fire overnight. There is continual slow movement of the fire to the east/southeast toward the Peace River, some active burning on the west side, and overall smouldering, smoke and hotspots.
Crews are hard at work again today on hotspots along Highway 58. Smoke could be an issue on this highway today. The RCMP will be on site if conditions deteriorate. Check Alberta 511 for road reports. No other highways are impacted at this time.
Other crews are focusing on the north edge of the fire, east of Highway 35 and over to the Peace River. Dozers made good progress yesterday, cutting new line across the top of the fire. Crews are deploying pumps and hose along this line, working to extinguish the fire along the perimeter and then they will work their way inwards.
Crews continue to work on the spot fire on the east side of the Peace River. Due to the very deep burning conditions in the organic soils, we anticipate crews will need several more days to get this area of the fire extinguished. Structure protection continues to be monitored in the various communities.
The forecast for today is for a high of 20 degrees, 45% humidity, winds N/NW at 20 km/hr gusting to 40 km/hr, with potential for slow moving afternoon thundershowers.
- The fire is 331,946 hectares in size.
- There are 1,150 firefighters and personnel, 311 pieces of heavy equipment and 46 helicopters working on this fire.
THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE UPDATE | JUNE 23, 2019 AT 10:30 AM
The fire received some rain showers this yesterday afternoon and therefore minimal growth has been reported. The rain in combination with the higher humidity continues to help firefighters make great progress on the fire in all priority areas. Heavy equipment has completed a fireguard in priority areas as well.
- The fire is 77,468 hectares in size.
- There are 185 firefighters and personnel, 5 pieces of heavy equipment and 25 helicopters working on this fire.
ALERTS AND EVACUATIONS | BE PREPARED, STAY INFORMED
MACKENZIE COUNTY
Mackenzie County residents looking for information regarding evacuations and alerts please visit the Mackenzie County Facebook page.
- Alberta Emergency Alert, Download the mobile app.
TOWN OF HIGH LEVEL
For information regarding evacuations or alerts, please visit the Town of High Level Facebook page.
- Alberta Emergency Alert, Download the mobile app.
ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
To stay informed on all road closure info 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.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION REMAIN IN EFFECT
A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction is in effect for the High Level Forest Area due to dry conditions and no significant rainfall in the forecast. The ban and restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.
Prohibited
- All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
- Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
- Fireworks and exploding targets.
- The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.
Allowed
- Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
Visit albertafirebans.ca for more information or download the new Alberta Fire Bans mobile app.
Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer | High Level Forest Area
Mobile: 780-841-9387
1-866-FYI-FIRE
Leslie Lozinski | Wildfire Information Officer | Chuckegg Creek Wildfire
Phone: 780-653-0151 ext. 1052
1-866-FYI-FIRE
RELATED INFORMATION
- Alberta Wildfire Status
- Alberta Fire Bans
- Air Quality Health Index
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation