High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 8, 2023 as of 6:30 p.m.

Posted on Thu, Jun 08, 2023

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The wildfire danger is very high in the High Level Forest Area. The area received some rain however it was not a significant amount nor widespread throughout the High Level Forest Area. The fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction remain in effect. To report a wildfire please call 310-FIRE(3473).

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FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT 
 
A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the High Level Forest Area due to extreme fire danger. The fire ban and OHV restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Under this fire ban:

•All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)

•No new Fire Permits will be issued 

Prohibited:

•All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds

•Backyard firepits

•BBQ charcoal briquettes 

•The use of fireworks and exploding targets

•The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

•Propane/natural gas-powered appliances

•Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)

•Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor

•All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards 

•Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.

•Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.

•Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands. 


ACTIVE WILDFIRE AREA | SAFETY MESSAGE

Stay away from active wildfire areas | For your safety and to ensure firefighters can do their job safely, please stay away from active wildfire areas. Your cooperation is essential.

Danger trees | Be extra cautious near burnt areas and avoid forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire. Hazards remain from deep ash pits, burning peat and falling trees or branches, especially if windy.

Reporting wildfires | Please do not report smoke or flame from within an active wildfire area. Firefighters are diverted from essential tasks to respond to fires reported by the public. You may see smoke or flame within the existing boundary of a wildfire, this is normal.

Smoke | Lingering smoke may still be visible in some areas and in affected communities. Smoke inversions can trap air near the ground causing dangerous driving conditions and poor air quality. Please use extra caution when driving in smoky conditions, and take necessary precautions if you have smoke-related health concerns.

Drones | The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. *Transport Canada

HWF058 June 8 JB

Fire HWF058 is classified as out of control (OC) at 3,596 hectares. June 8, 2023.
 
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | JUNE 8, 2023 AS OF 6:30 PM

There are seven wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, three are classified as out of control (OC), one is being held (BH) and three are under control (UC). Please see the updates below regarding the Paskwa fire and the Long Lake fire. To see a map of the wildfires in the High Level Forest Area and across the province please click here.

Wildfires of interest;

HWF058 |This fire is located approximately 80 km southwest of the Town of High Level and approximately 20 km northwest of the of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement boundary marker, where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) at 3,596 hectares.

Today, the fire experienced smoky conditions in the morning and early afternoon which challenged aircraft and firefighters ground access into the northwest and west side. However, as the smoke cleared in the afternoon helicopters were able to use their water buckets and cool off hotspots to prevent further spread to critical infrastructure on the west side. Helicopters with water buckets also worked the south and southeast side to cool down the fires edge to prevent spread towards the community Paddle Prairie. This evening, the fire has increased in activity on the west side and therefore helicopters were called back due to safety reasons.

Tomorrow, there will be 25 firefighters, and 3 helicopters working this fire. Additional resources have been requested.

Tomorrow, the forecast is calling for a temperature of 30 degrees, a relative humidity of 20 percent and winds are southeast at 20 km/h. These conditions are expected to challenge firefighters control lines they established on the north and northwest side protecting critical infrastructure. 


THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036 | JUNE 8, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM

The Long Lake fire (HWF036) was detected on May 3, 2023. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) with a last recorded size of 152,559 hectares. The fire has seen milder conditions due to localized rain. This has allowed firefighters to work directly against the fire edge to build containment lines and put out hot spots.

Aircraft is working on hot areas along Baseline Road and north of Baseline Road. Putting out hot spots as they arise. Crews are patrolling and are using hand ignition to burn out unburnt areas to further contain the area.

Recent weather conditions have seen reduced fire activity along the power easement and gas plant area. Crews have been working with dozers along the fire edge from Winter Road to the power line easement.

The fire is active west of the Town of Rainbow Lake moving towards the British Columbia border. The Incident Management Team (IMT) at Rainbow Lake are in daily contact with the IMT at Fort Nelson. Crews are monitoring the fire by air and bucketing priority hot spots.

The northeast guard protecting the community of Chateh continues to hold with limited active fire along this edge. We continue to build containment lines with dozers along Silvertip Road to the gas plant. Cenovus have been working with the Incident Management Team to determine a safe return to work plan.

Please be aware that there is still active fire burning in the area. Residents are reminded not to enter the fire area due to large number of firefighters, and equipment working. Burnt trees continue to fall which are dangerous.

Incident Management Teams from Canada, America and Australia and a large number of helicopters are currently working at the Incident Command Post located at the Town of Rainbow Lake airport to support this fire.

There are currently 196 personnel supporting the Long Lake Fire. Including wildland and structural firefighters, incident management staff and heavy equipment operators. There are also 10 helicopters and 19 dozers , 2 excavators, 3 water trucks and 8 supporting plant. 

Weather Forecast | Long Lake Fire 

Today's forecast is as follow, a temperature of 26 degrees, a relative humidity of 20 percent, and winds are southeast 15 km/h.


THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030 | JUNE 8, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM

The Paskwa fire was detected on May 2, 2023. It extends along the south side of the Peace River from the community of Fox Lake into Wood Buffalo National Park and is approximately 8 km south of the community of Garden River. This wildfire is 93,311 hectares in size. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC).

The top priorities for managing the Paskwa Fire are full extinguishment of fire in Fox Lake, protecting Garden River, and working toward securing the fire perimeter to prevent significant fire spread. 

Wildfire activity did pick-up yesterday due to the very high winds and the hotspots in the area did begin to smoke more than before but bucket support from helicopters and ground crews were able to action and maintain control in the area of Fox Lake. Yesterday, crews were working to extinguish hotspots and remove danger trees along Ribbonleg Road and will continue as they expand their work outwards to other areas in Fox Lake.

Work continues along the entire north-northeast perimeter to remove remaining forest fuels and extinguish hot spots, keeping the fire south of the Peace River. Yesterday, fire crews started near 5th Meridian and will continue east, working along the oxbow to extinguish hot spots within the fire perimeter. Helicopters were also bucketing in the area. The fireguard is a priority to prevent fire spread north across the Peace River and to protect the community of Garden River.

Helicopters continue bucketing along the southeast perimeter, and today ground crews will continue with fire suppression in this area. Once this work is completed the crews will move upwards to the northeast flank of the wildfire.

Firefighters will work to extinguish hotspots from Little Red River moving to Muskeg Creek. The area will continue to be monitored for activity using heat scans from helicopter. Scanning is being completed in stages today and into the weekend for hotspots in and around the community of Fox Lake.

Work continues in Fox Lake to extinguish 75m (250 ft) perimeters around structures and the removal of danger trees. Heavy equipment is establishing guard lines around larger areas where there is still potential for fire spread to contain the fire while crews work to extinguish these hotspots.

The high-volume water system, water lines, and sprinkler systems on structures are in place in the community of Garden River and structural firefighters will be available as needed. These are proactive measures to ensure the community is prepared should the fires move closer to Garden River.

There are currently 105 personnel supporting the Paskwa Fire response consisting of wildland and structural firefighters, incident management staff, and Paskwa Fire Base support staff. There are 12 helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment dedicated to the Paskwa fire.

Weather Forecast | Paskwa Fire 

Today the forecast is as follows, a temperature of 26 degrees, a relative humidity of 25 percent, with winds northeast 10-15 km/h.

Evacuation Information and Alerts

Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order in place for the community of Fox Lake. The community of Garden River remains on an evacuation alert. For information regarding the evacuation, please stay informed by visiting the Little Red River Cree Nation’s Facebook page.

The community of Garden River is under an evacuation alert. 

Wood Buffalo National Park Fire Update| Davidson Complex

The fires in the Davidson Lake area are approximately 29,777 hectares combined and located 26 km northeast of Garden River.

Three bulldozers and one excavator started to create a fire guard on the boundary of Wood Buffalo National Park and made great progress. They will finish the guard this morning and begin work along the old road to Peace Point to access the location where they will construct a second containment line.

Fire specialists were hopeful for an opportunity to begin ignition work yesterday to attempt to hold Fire 14 at Trident Creek, but wind shifts created smokier conditions, making it too difficult to continue. They will look for more ignition windows in the coming days.

Fire growth was primarily wind driven yesterday, with the most action seen on the northern flank of the fire. Fire personnel observed a lot of smoke yesterday on Fire 14, so Garden River may experience smoky conditions today.

Crews continued to install structure protection on cabins and other infrastructure in the area, primarily on structures pointed out to fire personnel by the community at Tuesday morning’s meeting. Crews also continued to maintain sprinkler systems already in place.

The Davidson Lake Fires have not seen any significant rainfall and extreme dry conditions will continue today.

This information has been provided by the Wood Buffalo National Park, Fire Information Officer. For more information regarding fires burning within the Wood Buffalo National Park, please click here. 

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Map showing the Paskwa fire (HWF030) inside the High Level Forest Area as well as the fires burning within the Wood Buffalo National Park (Davidson Complex). June 8, 2023.
 

 
WILDFIRE SMOKE ISSUES
 
Smoke from wildfires may hang low to the ground at night and into the early morning due to temperature inversions. A temperature inversion is when warm air "caps" cooler air, causing smoke to be trapped in valley bottoms at night and into the early morning. The trapped smoke generally begins to lift after the sun rises and heats the earth's surface. Inversions can be very dangerous for road conditions and surrounding communities. Visibility can be limited. 
 
Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia, smoky conditions will persist. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
 
If you see smoke that is causing safety concerns to road conditions, please report to Alberta 511. Individuals experiencing smoke related health issues can contact Alberta Health. To see a map showing the smoke forecast please click here. 
 
VOULUNTEER INFORMATION
 
Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province can contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca
 

Drones Message

DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES!

The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.

*Transport Canada

ALBERTA STATE OF EMERGENCY

A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information.

Preparing in advance can keep you safe and comfortable, and help you get back to your normal life and work more quickly. It also helps others because emergency responders can focus on helping those who need it the most.
 
Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency:
 
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9000
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
 
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WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination. 

Subscribe to the High Level Forest Area Update to receive an email when new information is posted. Join the conversation on FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

WILDFIRE LINKS AND TOOLS

Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province can contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca

There are multiple EVACUATION ORDERS & ALERTS in the Province. Please visit Alberta Emergency Alerts or your community webpage for more information.

For road closure information, please visit: 511.alberta.ca 

Wildfire smoke is a tool used for the location of smoke firesmoke.ca

To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.

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Victoria Ostendorf

Wildfire Information Officer

High Level Forest Area

Mobile: 780-841-9387

Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca

 

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