WILDFIRE DANGER
The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the High Level Forest Area.
We ask Albertans to be extremely cautious if they are spending time in the Forest Area of Alberta. The hot and dry weather continues to drive up the wildfire danger. In these conditions, a wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly.
We are expecting high temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees in the north with relative humidity between 15-20 percent. Winds are expected to be from the northwest, at 15-20 km/h. These conditions can cause extreme fire behaviour.
WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 16,2023 at 7:00 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.
It is common for fires that are smoldering to re-ignite and flare up during hot, dry and windy conditions. Areas that appear to be inactive can flare up, producing smoke. Alberta Wildfire has continued to patrol the Under Control fire HWF-042, burning near the Boyer River that started May 6, 2023.
Crews continue to work in the Deep Peat area on Wildfire near Boyer River.
Firefighters, aircraft, and heavy equipment have been working in conjunction with communities, county and municipal firefighting services as aggressively as possible to make progress on these wildfires. Despite all of this hard work, there remains uncontained wildfire perimeter and fire behavior forecasts indicate that there will be growth on the wildfires throughout the region.
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.
There are multiple EVACUATION ORDERS & ALERTS in the Province. Please visit Alberta Emergency Alerts or your community webpage for more information.
THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036 | MAY 16,2023 at 7:00 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 96,387 hectares.
With the extreme fire behavior expected, the priority is the safety of crews on the fire. This wildfire is located approximately 12 km from the community of Chateh. Teams are working hard on securing existing fire guards west of the community of Chateh. Additional crews have arrived and are helping suppress the fire and extinguish excursions.
Our top priority is the safety of the people in the Town of Rainbow Lake, the community of Chateh, and oil and gas and energy infrastructure. Wildland firefighter crews and wildland urban interface crews continue to ensure protection of the structures within the town and community. Ground crews will continue to action excursions around the Town of Rainbow Lake and ensure all excursions are fully extinguished. Ground crews and heavy equipment are working to establish 30-foot containment in ignition area around Rainbow Lake and the continued support for restoration of critical infrastructure and communications systems in the Town of Rainbow Lake. Damage was done to powerlines, resulting in no power within the community of Chateh and the hamlet of Zama City.
There are road closures in the area. Please visit 511 for the most updated travel information.
Today there are 128 firefighters, 10 helicopters and heavy equipment working on the Long Lake Fire. Structural protection crews will continue protecting structures within the area as the wildfire situation evolves. These crews continue to patrol the Town of Rainbow Lake, throughout the day and night to spot any hotspots and excursions within the town. Wildland Urban Interface crews have deployed to the community of Chateh to work on structural protection operations, Firesmart work around homes and operationalize the defense plan
The peak burning period for wildfires occurs in the early afternoon. Fire activity tends to slow down in the morning and late evenings when temperatures are cooler and humidity levels higher. Like yesterday afternoon, the wildfire was much more active in the heat of the day, and the wildfire spread significantly to the southeast. The wildfire still remains burning away from the community of Chateh moving in a S/SE direction. The wildfire also spread passed the Silvertip camp, however the dozer guard protection and the sprinkler systems in place provided protection to the structures on site. Additional fire spread occurred towards infrastructure south of the Town of Rainbow Lake. Operations continued to use rotary wing with buckets to suppress the fire in this area.
Alberta Wildfire has deployed more resources on this wildfire to continue to suppress the wildfire. This afternoon the fire had higher relative humidity which helped to contain the fire in key locations. Minimal spread was observed today. Heavy Water was relocated for the protection of the infrastructure plant site south of the fire.
The Town of Rainbow Lake is on evacuation order.
The community of Chateh is now on evacuation order.
Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.
THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030 | MAY 16, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
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 39,179 hectares. The fire is approximately 4km from the Wood Buffalo National Park boundary and 13km from the community of Garden River.
As expected, the fire grew overnight driven by strong gusting winds brought by the passing cold front. Wind direction was more northerlythan forecasted and as a result fire growth was primarily to the south and not southeast. The most active area of the fire continues to be on the southeast side between Deep Lake and Fighting Lake. The fire remains outside of Wood Buffalo National Park and has not made movement towards the community of Garden River.
Today, work will continue on the indirect control lines near the community of Garden River. A retardant line is being established west of community, just east of the park boundary. This line would be reinforced through ignition operations to remove forest fuels between the retardant line and the northeast perimeter of the fire.
The Structure Protection Group will be working in the community to finalize the installation of sprinklers and continue on other structure protection measures including the creation of control lines and removal of fuel buildup near structures.
Winds will continue blowing from the northeast throughout the day and will drive fire activity and movement. This may be visible from the community of Garden River, but any fire growth is forecast to be away from the community and along the southeast edge of the fire.
Fire crews will be assessing the overnight fire growth this morning and will revise their control tactics and plans as needed.
Work in the community of Fox Lake to create safe conditions to allow for re-entry, beginning with temporary access and escorted community visits is ongoing. Crews are working to create an extinguished perimeter around every structure.
There are 79 firefighters, 9 helicopters, and heavy equipment working on the Paskwa fire. Air tanker
support is available as requested.
Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order in place for the community of Fox Lake. The
community of Garden River is on an evacuation alert. For information regarding the evacuation, please stay informed by visiting the Little Red River Cree Nation’s Facebook page.
The Incident Management Team will continue to coordinate with the Wood Buffalo National Park
management team as the fire moves towards the park boundary.
Weather Forecast | Paskwa Fire (HWF030)
The Incident Management Team has a dedicated Fire Behaviour Analyst and the weather briefings are area specific. Hot and dry conditions continue with no significant rain in the forecast.
Today, we expect temperatures in the low 20 degrees and a relative humidity of 30 percent. Northeast winds of 15-20 km/h will continue throughout the day, with gusts up to 40 km/h.
Wind-driven fire growth is expected to be away from the community of Garden River towards the
southeast.
Fire activity on the southeast perimeter of the Paskwa Fire near Deep Lake on May 15, 2023.
Where can I find more information about the wildfires?
Current information on wildfires can be found:
- wildfire.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.
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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Stephanie Grocholski
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Email: wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca
Mobile: 780-926-7509
James Eastham (Paskwa Fire HWF-030)
Wildfire Information Officer
Email: james.eastham@pc.gc.ca
Mobile: 403-497-4839