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).
(Firefighters had a curious visitor on the Chuckegg Creek wildfire)
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA UPDATE | JUNE 24, 2019 AT 8:00 PM
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 the Chuckegg Creek and the Jackpot Creek fires please see below for more info.) 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 27 firefighters, with 3 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire.
- 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. Heavy equipment continues to establish a fireguard around the fire perimeter. There are 31 firefighters, 5 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire.
***The next update will be at 11 a.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
Tomorrow’s forecast is for similar weather conditions as today; with a forecasted temperature of 22°C, relative humidity of 50 to 60%, and variable N-NW winds at 10km/hr. There is also a 70% chance of thundershowers for tomorrow with 1 to 5mm of precipitation expected.
CHUCKEGG CREEK FIRE UPDATE | JUNE 24, 2019 AT 8:00 PM
Today, many areas in the vicinity of Chuckegg Creek Wildfire did receive the predicted precipitation but there was variable amounts of rain recorded within the fire perimeter. There was no growth of the fire today but there are still hotspots and smoke visible within the fire perimeter especially on the East flank of the fire, west the community of La Crete. Tomorrow’s forecast is for similar weather conditions as today; with a forecasted temperature of 22°C, relative humidity of 50 to 60%, and variable N-NW winds at 10km/hr. There is a 70% chance of thundershowers for tomorrow with 1 to 5mm of precipitation expected.
Crews made progress on the south side of the fire finishing the construction of a dozer guard from Highway 35 to the Peace River. Also, two crews completed work on a small excursion, approximately 6.5 ha, east of the Peace River just northwest of La Crete. Firefighters made progress by mopping-up and extinguishing hotspots in other areas of the wildfire.
An infrared scan will be completed tonight to identify and map additional hotspots (heat sources) that need to be extinguished to help increase the containment of this wildfire. The existing structure protection remains in place as a precautionary measure.
- The fire is 331,946 hectares in size.
- There are 1,053 firefighters and personnel, 311 pieces of heavy equipment and 46 helicopters working on this fire.
THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE UPDATE | JUNE 24, 2019 AT 8:00 PM
Firefighters were able to make good progress today on the Jackpot Creek fire. Favourable weather conditions (precipitation, low temperatures and high relative humidity) aided firefighters in accomplishing their goals and objectives for the day.
Firefighters concentrated their efforts on the East side of Highway 35, working towards the North. Crews worked on hose lay lines, reinforced dozer guard lines and worked on hotspots. Firefighters who are scheduled to arrive in camp this evening, will be joining current crews in their suppression efforts tomorrow.
Helicopter infrared scanning was completed and helped firefighters better identify hotspots in priority areas. Firefighters also opened up areas with chainsaws which made more room for helicopters to complete bucketing runs, delivering water to identified hotspots. Scanning flights will continue on the West side of Highway 35 and on the South end to identify any remaining hotspots.
Weather forecasts for tomorrow are predicting conditions similar to the last few days with cooler, damp weather. These conditions will continue to aid firefighters in suppressing the fire.
- The fire is 77,468 hectares in size.
- There are 194 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 no significant rainfall. 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
Rosalie MacAulay | 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