A FIRE BAN and OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION is now effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the High Level Forest Area.

FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area due to extreme fire danger.

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.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire ban and OHV restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 5, 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.

THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036

This fire is located 1 km south of highway 58, south of the Rainbow Lake Airport. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 1,822 hectares. Yesterday, due to the hot and dry conditions this fire experienced active fire behavior, spreading in a southwest to westerly direction away from the Town of Rainbow Lake.

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. Overnight heavy equipment continued to create control lines on the east side of the fire. Further progress on the northwest corner completed by the heavy equipment this morning.

Due to the forecasted weather conditions, we are expecting another active day on the fire. Firefighter and aircraft safety is top priority as there is a Red Flag Warning in effect. Red Flag Warnings mean that the relative humidity will be low then the temperature and this allows for extreme fire behavour. As the fire situation changes firefighters, helicopters, support staff, heavy equipment and airtankers will be working hard to reevaluate their tactics to prevent fire spread to homes and critical infrastructure.

There are 49 firefighters, 4 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers as needed, working on this fire.

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) and the last recorded size is 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. Overnight there was active fire behaviour and the fire grew on the west side as well as the south.

Due to the forecasted weather the fire is expected to experience extreme fire activity and will challenge firefighters, and aircraft. Firefighter and aircraft safety is top priority as there is a Red Flag Warning in effect. Red Flag Warnings mean that the relative humidity will be low then the temperature and this allows for extreme fire behavour. As the fire situation changes firefighters, helicopters, support staff, heavy equipment and airtankers will be working hard to reevaluate their tactics to prevent fire spread to homes and critical infrastructure.

There is approximately 24 Alberta Wildfire firefighters, 5 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers as needed. The Incident Management Team (IMT) will be transitioning out on the fire today. Additional firefighters and resources have been requested.

Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order in place for the community of Fox Lake.

WEATHER

Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue and will challenge firefighters and aircraft. The weather forecast is calling for a temperature of 28 degrees, a relative humidity of 15 per cent and winds southeast 35 km/h gusting up to 50 km/h.

ON ALERT AND READY TO RESPOND

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and new wildfire starts. Firefighters in helicopters, and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start in the High Level Forest Area.

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 | Wildfire Information Officer

High Level Forest Area

Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca

Mobile: 780-841-9387

RELATED INFORMATION

High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 5, 2023 as of 12:30 p.m.

A FIRE BAN and OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION is now effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the High Level Forest Area.

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Access Alberta Wildfire Info