High Level Area Update

The Paskwa Fire (HWF030) is located in the community of Fox Lake. The last recorded size is 4, hectares. Photo taken May 4, 2023.

WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 4, 2023 AS OF 12:30 PM

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). To see all wildfires on a map please click here.

Wildfires of interest:

HWF036 | LITTLE BUFFALO FIRE

Wildfire HWF036 is located 1 km south of highway 58, southwest of the Rainbow Lake Airport. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) at 500 hectares in size. Due to the hot and dry conditions this fire is experiencing active fire behaviour and is spreading in a southwest direction due to the northeast winds.

Alberta Wildfire firefighters, the Rainbow Lake Fire Department and air support from helicopters and airtankers continue to create containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading towards the community. This Town of Rainbow Lake has issued an evacuation notice. 

HWF030 | PASKWA FIRE

Wildfire HWF030 is located in the community of Fox Lake. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 4,383 hectares.

It was confirmed this morning that the fire did not cross the Peace River. This fires activity is extremely active on the west side. Due to the weather conditions, the fire activity will challenge firefighters and aircraft today.

There are 18 firefighters, 4 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers have been requested. More resources have been requesting and are heading out to the fire today. Alberta Wildfire has mobilized an Incident Management Team and they are expected to arrive tomorrow. A Structure protect plan is being made and four type six engines will be in the community today.

Little Red River Cree Nation has put an evacuation in place for the community of Fox Lake. Evacuees are being advised to go to the community of John D'or and to register at the reception center located at the John D'or Prairie School.

WEATHER

Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue and will challenge firefighters and aircraft. The forecast is calling for a temperature of 25 degrees, and winds east to northeast 25 km/h -30 km/h gusting 45 km/h.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the High Level section of the Forest Protection Area due to continued/expected warm temperatures.

Under this advisory:

• Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if warm, dry weather continues
• No new heavy fuel fire permits will be issued, and renewals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
• Burn barrel permits can still be requested

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires *
• Backyard fire pits
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

1. a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
2. b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
3. c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
4. d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE. The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

FIRE PERMITS

Starting March 1st, fire permits will be required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and are now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca for information on how to make a request online. Fire permits are also still available by calling the High Level Forestry Office at 780-926-5407. Leave a message with your name, phone number, burn location and home location.

PREVENT WILDFIRES

Wildfires are 100 per cent preventable, please remember to do your part and prevent wildfires.

When riding your off-highway vehicle stop frequently to remove any build-up of debris from your machine. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can begin to smoulder and drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire. Always carry firefighting equipment - a shovel, extinguisher and bucket when you ride.

When having a campfire, keep it small, safe and always attended. When you are leaving your site or headed to bed, your campfire must be extinguished. Soak it, stir up the ashes, soak it again to ensure it is out.

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.

Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer

High Level Forest Area

Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca

Mobile: 780-841-9387