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).
(Firefighters from Rocky Mountain House working on the Chuckegg Creek fire pose for a picture after a long days work, June 10, 2019)
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE UPDATE | JUNE 11, 2019 AT 11:30 A.M.
There are 4 active wildfires in the High Level Forest Area - Two are Out of Control (OC), one is Being Held (BH) and one is Under Control (UC).
- The Chuckegg Creek fire (HWF-042) remains Out of Control (OC) at 269, 648 hectares.
- The Jackpot Creek Wildfire (HWF-066) around Steen River remains Out of Control (OC) at 28, 167 hectares.
- Fire (HWF075), is located approximately 42 km southeast of South Tall Cree, east of highway 88. This fire is Being Held (BH) at 18 hectares. There are 24 firefighters with air support from 3 helicopters. There is no threat to any communities.
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.
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.
THE CHUCKEGG CREEK FIRE | JUNE 11, 2019 AT 11:30 A.M.
With the return of warmer temperatures, lower humidity and winds out of the west shifting to southwest 15 km/h – 20 km/h the fire is expected to see an increase in activity today. Smoke will also be visible due to activity and may reduce visibility east of the fire due to the winds. Firefighters along with air support from bucketing helicopters and airtankers will be continuing to work in priority areas so limit fire spread. Firefighters continue to consolidate containment along Highways 35 and 58, and north of highway 58 west of High Level.
Firefighters along with bucketing helicopters continue to work around Paddle Prairie to extinguish hotspots to limit spread and protect values. Firefighters are continuing to gain access on the west side of the fire in priority areas where access is more remote. Heavy equipment also continues to create guard in priority areas to limit spread and aid firefighters in accessing the fire perimeter.
- The last recorded size is approximately 269, 648 hectares.
- Alberta Wildfire has 687 firefighters and personnel. With 41 helicopters and 129 pieces of heavy equipment.
(Ontario firefighters working on the Chuckegg Creek fire about to get a ride out to the fire line, June 10, 2019)
THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE | JUNE 11, 2019 at 11:30 A.M.
Firefighters with the support from bucketing helicopters continue to limit spread in priority areas. Due to hard work and excellent progress made by firefighters over the last number of days, priority areas of this fire did not grow past containment lines. Firefighters continue to utilize helipads to access new areas of the fire’s perimeter, using pumps and hose, hand tools and support from helicopter bucketing.
- The last updated size of the fire is approximately 28,167 hectares.
- There are 32 firefighters and 7 helicopters assigned to this fire.
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 with it smoky conditions. For health related smoke issues, please visit Alberta Health Services.
Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-841-9387
RELATED INFORMATION