High Level Area Update

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

Posted on Thu, Jul 11, 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)

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

There are currently 4 active wildfires in the High Level Area. Of these fires, 1 is Out of Control (OC), 1 is Being Held (BH) and 2 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 number HWF-066 (Jackpot Creek) is classified as Being Held (BH), is located north of Lutose. The fire is approximately 74,331 hectares in size. There are 123 firefighters and support staff, 8 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this wildfire.

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.

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

The weather forecast today is calling for a high of 27 degrees, a relative humidity of 25% and winds out of the southwest at 15-20 km/h. Due to the Southwest winds smoky conditions are expected for the Town of High Level, Fort Vermilion, Rocky Lane and surrounding communities to the east.

The east and west side of the fire saw minimal activity yesterday due to the lighter winds and high relative humidity. These conditions aided firefighters on continuing to make great progress in all priority areas. The ignition operating that was planned for the west side of the fire, northeast of Chain Ponds, was not complete due to unfavourable wind conditions. Firefighters will continue to look for opportunity to do the ignition operation  on the west side if conditions allow.

On the east side of the fire, west of La Crete, areas of the fire continue to burn in very deep areas of peat moss, which continues to create some challenges for firefighters. Firefighters along with heavy equipment continue to make progress in establishing guard in this area. Helicopters also continue to aid firefighting efforts by dropping retardant and water on the fire perimeter in priority areas to limit fire spread.

Firefighters continue to establish a water delivery system using large water tanks, water reservoirs pumps, sprinklers and hose line. Once this is complete, this system will help support firefighters directly attack the fire perimeter and assist in flooding areas where the fire is burning in peat moss. The hoses used in this operation will supply firefighters with around 9,000 liters of water a min. Firefighters have almost completed setting up the first tank and hoses have been laid. It is expected to have water flowing by the end of today. 

Progress continues to be made by firefighters on the north, west, south, and southeast side. Infrared scanning from helicopters continues to help firefighters identify hotspots. This process identifies thermal infrared radiation from areas that are still smoldering. This process helps firefighters to ensure that these areas are cold and no fire continues to burn. Some of the areas to be scanned are close to residential areas and helicopters may be in the area early in the mornings.

On the west side, firefighters continue with direct attack extinguishing hotspots and mopping-up 100 feet inward, south of Highway 58. In the southwest, hose lay, mop-up and extinguishing hotspots is ongoing. In the southern end of the wildfire, infrared scanning has identified some hotspots and firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots in priority areas.

  • The last recorded size is 334,064 hectares.
  • There are 1,161 wildland firefighters and support staff, 46 helicopters and 123 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.

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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 11, 2019

There are currently 13 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Of these fire; 1 is out of control, 1 is being held, 8 are under control and 3 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 708 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 802,389 hectares. 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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Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer

Phone: 780-841-9387

1-866-FYI-FIRE

victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca

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