Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under these hot and dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

The Long Lake Fire (HWF036) is located south of the Rainbow Lake Airport. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) at 1,822 hectares. Photo taken on May 4, 2023.

WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 4, 2023 AS OF 9:00 PM

There are seven wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, two are classified as Out of Control (OC), three are Being Held (BH) and two are Under Control (UC). To see all wildfires on a map please click here.

Wildfires of interest:

THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036

This Long Lake Fire is located south of the Town of Rainbow Lake Airport and is classified as Out of Control (OC) with a last recorded size of 1,822 hectares. Due to the hot and dry conditions this fire experienced active fire behaviour, spreading in a southwest to westerly direction away from the Town of Rainbow Lake.

Today, Alberta Wildfire firefighters, the Rainbow Lake Fire Department and air support from helicopters and airtankers worked to create containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading towards the community. In addition heavy equipment was able to start making progress creating control lines on the east side of the fire. Due to the forecasted weather conditions, firefighters are expecting another active day on the fire tomorrow. 

THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030

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) with a last recorded size of 4,383 hectares. Please note, there has not been an update on fire size as fire activity and smoke have made it hard to do so.

Today the fire experienced extreme fire activity on the west side as well as the south and southeast side. There were reports earlier today that the fire crossed the Peace River however firefighters have confirmed this evening that the fire did not cross the Peace River.

Due to the weather conditions, the fire activity challenged firefighters and aircraft. Structure protection resources made progress in setting up structure protection units in strategic areas within the community. Due to the extreme fire activity and unsafe conditions, crews are reevaluating and repositioning as needed. Firefighters and heavy equipment will be working throughout the evening, taking advantage of cooler overnight temperatures. 

Fire activity is expected to be similar tomorrow due to the weather forecast. Alberta Wildfire has mobilized an Incident Management Team and they are expected to arrive tomorrow. Additional firefighters have also been requested.

Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order 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 weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for a temperature of 28 degrees, a relative humidity of 25 per cent and winds southeast 25 km/h gusting up to 50 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