Yesterday the east side of the Paskwa fire (HWF030) was very active and spreading east, creating a lot of smoke. This fire activity is no threat to the community of Fox Lake at this time. Photo taken on May 9, 2023.

WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 10, 2023 AT 11:30 AM

There are five wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, two are classified as Out of Control (OC), one is being Held (BH) and two are Under Control (UC). Today firefighters have been prepositioned to respond to any new starts in the High Level Forest Area.

Alberta Wildfire's top priority when fighting a wildfire is the protection of human lives and the safety of communities. To see all wildfires on a map and find more information regarding wildfires in Alberta please click here.

THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036 | MAY 10, 2023 AT 11:30 AM

This fire is located in the vicinity of the Town of Rainbow Lake. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 18,946 hectares. Yesterday the fire experienced an increase in fire activity throughout the day. Areas north of the Town were challenged as the fire spread into heavier fuel areas. The area was suppressed by helicopters with water buckets and supported by firefighters.

Alberta Wildfire firefighters, and air support from helicopters continue to secure containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading further into the community. Heavy equipment was able to continue creating control lines along the perimeter and have made significant progress working throughout the day. The Rainbow Lake Fire Department with additional Structural Protection support, continue to operationalize the protection of structures within the Town as the fire situation evolves within areas. There are 66 firefighters, 8 helicopters, heavy equipment, support staff and airtankers as requested. Additional Resources and wildfire firefighters are arriving on the fire today.

The Town of Rainbow Lake has put on an evacuation order. Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.

THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030 | MAY 10, 2023 AT 11:30 AM

The Paskwa fire is located in the community of Fox Lake and was detected on May 2, 2023. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 21,297 hectares. Yesterday evening and overnight the east side of the Paskwa fire was very active. This activity is no threat to the community of Fox Lake at this time.

Firefighters and aircraft continue to work on putting out hotspots within the community to reduce fire spread to homes and critical infrastructure. The forecast for the coming days will see a return in continued hot and windy conditions. As of this update the fire is approximately 2.9 km away from the cultural heritage site and remains on the south side of the Peace River. On southwest side firefighters and heavy equipment have been creating control lines along the fire perimeter, working their way up from River road towards the Peace River

Firefighters are using all of their available tools to control this wildfire. Ignition operation tactics reduce fire spread by using current natural barriers to control the fire line. Ignition plans will continue to be created to find opportunities to burn areas of concern along the fire perimeter.

As the fire situation changes firefighters, helicopters, support staff, heavy equipment and airtankers will be working hard to re-evaluate their tactics to prevent fire spread to homes and critical infrastructure. Today there is 70 firefighters, 11 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers as needed. Additional firefighters and resources have been requested not only for this fire but to assist with the provincial situation as well.

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

SMOKE RELATED ISSUES

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. 

WEATHER

Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue and will continue to challenge firefighters and aircraft. Today, the forecast is calling for a high of 24 degrees, a relative humidity of 20 per cent and winds from the northeast 10 km/h. 

Do your part to prevent wildfires. Before you go camping or recreating, make sure you are aware of the Fire Ban situation and OHV restrictions in your area. When firefighters are sent to extinguish abandoned campfires, they are valuable resources taken away, that could be fighting other wildfires which could threaten homes or communities.