High Level Area Update

High Level Wildfire Update | June 8, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.

Posted on Sat, Jun 08, 2019

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Chuckegg and Jackpot Creek Wildfires Remain Out of Control. 
Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction Continues. The fire danger remains Extreme as the area needs a significant rainfall for the danger to be reduced. Report wildfire by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE UPDATE | JUNE 8, 2019 AT 10:30 A.M.

There are 4 active wildfires in the High Level Forest Area - Two are Out of Control (OC) and two are Under Control (UC). 

  • The Chuckegg Creek fire (HWF-042) remains Out of Control (OC) at 265, 925 hectares.
  • The Jackpot Creek Wildfire (HWF-066) around Steen River remains Out of Control (OC) at 28, 167 hectares.

Click here for a map of all fire locations and statuses within the High Level Forest Area.

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.

The next update will be at 8:00 P.M., or if conditions change.

BE PREPARED, STAY INFORMED.


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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.

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THE CHUCKEGG CREEK FIRE | JUNE 8, 2019 AT 10:30 A.M.

Due to no significant rainfall and winds today out of the north to northwest the fire may see an increase in fire activity. Firefighters will be carrying out controlled burn operations as conditions allow, on the west side of the fire perimeter. Expect to see smoke.

Firefighters, heavy equipment, and aircraft continue to make great progress on establishing containment in priority areas, and extinguishing hot spots along the fire perimeter to limit spread. Firefighters will be continuing to cut heli pads on the west side of the fire to gain access in priority areas. Dozer guard has been completed from the Boyer River to the Peace River to limit fire spread to the east.

Structural and wildland firefighters continue to work around Paddle Prairie to protect values and extinguish hotspots, while heavy equipment works to place extensive fireguards. Airtankers and bucketing helicopters continue to assist firefighters on the ground as possible.

  • The last recorded size is approximately 265, 925 hectares. The decrease in fire activity has allowed aircraft to safely get closer to the fire perimeter for more accurate mapping.
  • Firefighters continue to consolidate containment along Highways 35 and 58, and north of highway 58 west of High Level.
  • Alberta Wildfire has 741 firefighters and personnel. With 42 helicopters and 135 pieces of heavy equipment.
  • Atco is continues to repair power poles along highway 35 south of High Level. Atco has restored power supply and is supporting normal operations to the Town of High Level, La Crete, Fort Vermilion & Dene Tha’ First Nation. Atco has secured large-scale backup generators that can be drawn on to provide power to communities, if needed.

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THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE | JUNE 8, 2019 at 10:30 A.M.

Yesterday brought cool and humid conditions, which allowed firefighters to continue making excellent progress containing the fire. Firefighters utilized helipads to access hot spots identified through infrared scanning in priority areas on both the southern and western section of the fire. Firefighters have been able to construct containment lines around two major fingers, which will reduce spread potential in those priority areas. Firefighters will be working from the east and west over the next few days to limit the fire’s potential spread to the south. Little to no fire spread has been observed in the last few days.

The forecast is calling for weather patterns to change to slightly warmer conditions over the next few days, with temperatures reaching up to 16 degrees today. Winds will be 15-20km/h out of the northwest and occasional scattered showers may bring limited rainfall in some sections of the fire.

  • There are 88 firefighters and 8 helicopters assigned to this incident.
  • The latest updated size, with more accurate mapping, puts the fire at approximately 28,167 hectares.

TOWN OF HIGH LEVEL | UPDATE

As of June 3, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., the mandatory evacuation order for the Town of High Level was lifted and an evacuation alert was put in place immediately. For more information please continue to monitor the Town of High Level Website at www.highlevel.ca, call 780-926-2201 (Monitored from 8am-10pm) or visit Alberta Emergency Alert for more updates.

MACKENZIE COUNTY | UPDATE

The eight-hour evacuation alert has been reduced to the area west of Blues Creek and Blue Hills road (Range Road 180), north and south of Highway 697. The La Crete Ferry Campground will remain closed until further notice.

An eight-hour evacuation alert remains in effect for the Town of High Level and the Dene Tha’ First Nation community of Bushe River. Parts of Mackenzie County immediately north and south of High Level will also remain under eight-hour evacuation alert, along with a portion of the Blue Hills/Tompkins area.

The Mackenzie County Incident Command Centre is open at the Fort Vermilion County office (4511-46 Avenue) or call (780) 927-3718 during regular office hours (8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). For all public notifications, please follow the Mackenzie County Facebook page.

PADDLE PRAIRIE METIS SETTLEMENT | UPDATE

Paddle Prairie has an evacuation order in place. The reception centre phone number is 780-567-5587. For information on the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement evacuation, please visit their Facebook page.

ALBERTA TRANSPORTATION

Alberta Transportation has reopened Highway 35 south of High Level with the aid of a police escort to ensure travelers safety, expect delays. Highway 697 east of Highway 35 to the La Crete Ferry remains closed. The La Crete Ferry is also closed. 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.

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Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer

Mobile: 780-841-9387

victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca

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