Local firefighters and equipment operators are hard at work on the Paskwa fire.
WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 12, 2023 at 9:00 p.m.
There are currently five wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Two of these wildfires are classified as out of control and three are under control. Since January 1, the High Level Forest Area has had 49 wildfires that have burned 47,599.42 hectares.
Since January 1, 2023 there have been 442 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 448,124.34 hectares.
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.
To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.
THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036 | MAY 12, 2023 at 9:00 p.m.
This fire is located in the vicinity of the Town of Rainbow Lake. This wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) at 22,722 hectares.
Alberta Wildfire firefighters, and air support from helicopters continue to secure containment lines to prevent the wildfire from spreading further into the community. Heavy equipment and additional resources have made significant progress creating control lines along the perimeter. With the addition of heavy equipment supervisors and additional hours building containment line, progress is expected.
The Rainbow Lake Fire Department has completed the sprinkler deployment within town. Structural protection crews will continue protecting structures within the area as the wildfire situation evolves. The wildland urban interface crews along with helitack crews are on night watch to action any flare ups for structural protection within the town.
Additional resources and wildfire firefighters from Alaska arrived yesterday and are working with the Ontario crews to secure perimeter along the fire. Firefighters are also working along the south to secure this perimeter.
The Town of Rainbow Lake is on evacuation order. Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.
THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030 | MAY 12, 2023 at 9:00 p.m.
The Paskwa fire is located in the community of Fox Lake and was detected on May 2, 2023. This wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) and the last recorded size is 24,634 hectares.
Firefighters and helicopters continued to make good progress within the community on hotspots. On the 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. Great progress is being made. In addition, firefighters and heavy equipment are working east along the perimeter, east from river road. As of this update there is no further advancement to the cultural heritage site at the Little Red River and the fire remains on the south side of the Peace River.
Firefighters are using all their available tools to control this wildfire. Ignition operations 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 progresses firefighters, helicopters, support staff, heavy equipment and airtankers will be working hard to evaluate their tactics to prevent fire spread to homes and critical infrastructure.
Today there are 48 firefighters, 13 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers available if they are needed. Additional firefighters and resources have been requested. Tomorrow, a 20 person unit crew from New Brunswick and a four person helitack crew from Parks Canada will join firefighters in fighting this battle.
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.
Weather forecast | Paskwa Fire (HWF030)
Hot and dry conditions will continue with no significant rain in the forecast. Tomorrow the forecast is predicting temperature of 28 degrees, a relative humidity of 15 per cent with light winds from the west 10 km/h to 15 km/h.
Where can I find more information about the wildfires?
Current information on wildfires can be found:
- alberta.ca
- Download the Alberta Wildfire Status App https://open.alberta.ca/blog/?page_id=206
- High Level Forest Area Updates: https://srd.web.alberta.ca/high-level-area-update
- Follow Alberta Wildfire on Facebook, twitter and Instagram.
To Report a wildfire call 310-FIRE(3473)
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 25 degrees, a relative humidity of 15 per cent with winds from the Southeast 15 km/h.
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
A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information.
Before you head out to the forested areas in the province, 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.
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.
WE URGE RESIDENTS AND RECREATIONALISTS TO USE EXTRA CAUTION
Due to the current dry grass, warm weather and possible windy conditions, there is an increased risk of wildfires in the Forest Area. We urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and take the following precautions:
- Do not start any fires or use open flames in areas that are susceptible to catching fire, such as near dry vegetation like grass or wooded areas.
- Dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials properly, do not throw them on the ground.
- If you see a wildfire, immediately call 310-FIRE (3473) and report the location of the fire.
- Avoid using equipment that could generate sparks, friction or flames, such as power tools or lawn mowers, in areas with dry vegetation.
- Ensure grinders and welders are properly maintained and used in areas that are free from dry vegetation. Have sufficient water and tools on hand. Always keep watch of your surroundings and look around at regular intervals for smoke or flames that may have been accidently ignited.
We encourage everyone to stay informed about the current wildfire risk and to follow any guidance or orders from emergency personnel. By working together and taking proactive steps, we can help reduce the risk of wildfires in our community.
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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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Victoria Ostendorf
High Level Forest Area
Email: wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca
Mobile: 780-926-7509
Victoria Ostendorf | Paskwa Fire (HWF030)
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca
Mobile: 780-841-9387