High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update | July 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Posted on Tue, Jul 02, 2019

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A Fire Advisory remains in place for the High Level Forest Area. Use caution in the forested areas and report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA UPDATE | JULY 1, 2019 AT 11:00 A.M.

There are currently 6 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires, 1 is Out of Control (OC), 2 are Being Held (BH) and 3 are 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 Under Control (UC) and is located approximately 5 km southeast of the community of Fox Lake at 196 hectares in size. There are 25 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 25 firefighters, 6 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire.

NOTE: The next update will be by 7:00 p.m., or if conditions warrant.

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.


CHUCKEGG CREEK WILDFIRE UPDATE | JULY 2, 2019 AT 11:00 A.M.

Yesterday was a good day for fire suppression efforts. Firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopter bucketing operations have made progress. The helicopter fleet working on this wildfire moved 320 personnel yesterday morning and in the evening. 

With the progress on north, west, south, and north end /south end of the east side, infrared scanning from helicopters has begun. This process identifies thermal infrared radiation from areas that are still smoldering which are also known as hot spots. This process is important to ensure that these areas are cold and no fire continues to burn. Some of these spots to be scanned are close to residential areas and helicopters may be in the area early in the mornings.

The northern end of the wildfire is fully guarded and mop-up is complete. An infrared scan was conducted on the north perimeter down the west side to Highway 58 and a small number of hotspots were identified. Firefighters will seek these specific hot spots for extinguishment. This area will be monitored from the air. 

On the west side, the guard is complete and firefighters continued with direct attack extinguishing hot spots and mopping-up 100 feet inward south of Highway 58. In the south west mop-up and extinguishing hot spots continues today and it is expected this area will be in monitor/patrol status by tomorrow. A scan was completed from the west side into the Paddle Prairie area and some hot spots were identified.  Structural firefighters will be working to extinguish these spots.

In the southern end, it is at the monitor and patrol stage. In the south east, there are 40 firefighters working to extinguish hot spots identified by an infrared scan. On the north east side, it is also in monitor and patrol status. The contingency guard south of Devil and Surette Lakes is now complete. The dozer guard along the fire perimeter located from the Peace River towards the Boyer River Cell Tower is expected to be completed in the next few days. The direct attack dozer guard tight along the fire perimeter, located on the west side of the Peace River and northwest of Moose Island, has gone as far as it can with the existing water delivery systems. An in-direct attack feller buncher guard is being built with firefighters establishing a water delivery system using larger pumps and hose line. This guard is expected to be completed in the next two days.   

The existing structure protection remains in place as a precautionary measure and are being monitored. Considerations are being made to remove these units when it is safe to do so.

  • The fire remains 331,167 hectares in size; remains classified as Out of Control (OC)
  • There are 1,063 firefighters and personnel, 45 helicopters and 142 pieces of heavy equipment working on this fire.

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JACKPOT CREEK WILDFIRE UPDATE | JULY 2, 2019 AT 11:00 A.M.

The Jackpot Creek fire camp said goodbye to the Ontario contingent today. We thank them for all of their hard work and wish them safe travels on their journey home.

The Arctic low weather system that settled into the area last Thursday continues to circle around the Northern end of the province. Although centered in Saskatchewan at this point, precipitation from the edge of the system continues to effect the Steen River area. The forecast for today is calling for showers of up to 5mm, a bit lighter winds and a slightly lower humidity level than yesterday and an expected high temperature of 19°.

Crews are focusing efforts on the Northwest flank of the fire, East of Highway 35, along the Hay River. Heavy equipment is aiding in crew’s efforts to get this area under control, delivering water and cleaning up cluttered areas to give crews access to hot spots. A few hot

spots are also being looked after on the Northeast side of the fire.

The perimeter of the fire on the West side of Highway 35 has been completely extinguished and is now in the mop up stage and a large portion of the East side of the highway is in mop up as well.

  • The fire is 79,834 hectares in size; classified as Being Held (BH)
  • There are 277 firefighters and personnel, 12 helicopters and 5 pieces of heavy equipment working on this fire.

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FIRE ADVISORY 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 2)

There are currently 18 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area: 2 are Out of Control, 1 is Being Held, 11 are Under Control and 4 have been Turned Over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, there have been 697 wildfires that have burned 804,989.45 hectares in the Forest Protection Area.


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 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.


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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Matthew Anderson | Wildfire Information Officer | High Level Forest Area 

1-866-FYI-FIRE

matthew.anderson@gov.ab.ca

Rosalie MacAulay | Wildfire Information Officer | Chuckegg Creek Wildfire

Phone: 780-653-0151 ext. 1052

1-866-FYI-FIRE

Rosalie.MacAulay@gov.bc.ca

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