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 wildfires by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE UPDATE | JUNE 12, 2019 AT 11:30 A.M.
There are 3 active wildfires in the High Level Forest Area - Two are Out of Control (OC), and one is Being Held (BH).
- The Chuckegg Creek fire (HWF-042) remains Out of Control (OC) at 270, 860 hectares.
- The Jackpot Creek Wildfire (HWF-066) around Steen River remains Out of Control (OC) at 30, 500 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 12, 2019 AT 11:30 A.M.
The forecast is calling for temperatures to reach 25 degrees, with low humidity and winds out of the southwest at 20 km/h. There is also a Red Flag Weather Warning in effect. This means there is potential for extreme burning conditions that could challenge firefighter safety. Smoke may reduce visibility in areas east and northeast of the fire.
Firefighters will be looking for the opportunity to conduct more controlled burning operations on the west side of the fire, if conditions allow later this afternoon. Firefighters along with air support from bucketing helicopters and airtankers continue to work in priority areas to limit fire spread. Heavy equipment also continues to create guards to limit spread and aid firefighters in accessing the fire perimeter. In the Paddle Prairie area, firefighters along with bucketing helicopters continue to work to extinguish hotspots to limit fire spread and protect values.
Firefighters continue to consolidate containment along Highways 35 and 58, and north of highway 58, west of High Level. Firefighters are continuing to work on the west side of the fire in priority areas where access is more remote.
- The last recorded size is approximately 270, 860 hectares.
- Alberta Wildfire has 716 firefighters and personnel. With 41 helicopters and 129 pieces of heavy equipment.
THE JACKPOT CREEK FIRE | JUNE 12, 2019 at 11:30 A.M.
Due to warmer temperatures, lower humidity and winds out of the southwest the fire saw activity predominately on the northeast side, yesterday. Firefighters with the support from bucketing helicopters continue to limit spread in priority areas on the south side of the fire. 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 30, 500 hectares.
- There are 84 firefighters and 10 helicopters working on this fire.
ALERTS AND EVACUATIONS
PADDLE PRAIRIE METIS SETTLEMENT
Paddle Prairie has an evacuation order in place. Evacuees should register at the reception centre located at the Grande Prairie Regional College. The reception centre phone number is 780-567-5587. For information on the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement evacuation, please visit their Facebook page.
COUNTY OF NORTHERN LIGHTS
The County of Northern Lights has issued a number of evacuation alerts for the area. For more information and updates on their status, download the Alberta Emergency Alert app, listen to the local radio station or visit the County of Northern Lights website: www.countyofnorthernlights.com or the County’s facebook page www.facebook.com/countyofnorthernlights.
TOWN OF HIGH LEVEL | MACKENZIE COUNTY | DENE THA
The Town of High Level, Mackenzie County and Dene Tha have lifted the eight-hour evacuation alert. However, stay prepared and stay informed. All residents of the area should continue to check the following links and listen to local radio for updates.
- Alberta Emergency Alert, Download the mobile app.
- Town of High Level Website or Facebook page
- Mackenzie County 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.
Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer | Chuckegg Creek
Mobile: 780-841-9387
1-866-FYI-FIRE
Stephanie Grocholski | Wildfire Information Officer | High Level Forest Area
Mobile: 780-926-7509
1-866-FYI-FIRE
stephanie.grocholski@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
- Alberta Wildfire Status
- Alberta Fire Bans
- Air Quality Health Index
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation