PROVINCIAL STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

Hot, dry conditions continue in most areas of the province resulting in numerous wildfires. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx

A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta due to extreme fire danger. The fire ban and OHV restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

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. 

WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 8, 2023 AS OF 6:00 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). Today firefighters have been positioned to respond to any new starts in the High Level Forest Area. To see all wildfires on a map and find more information regarding wildfires in Alberta please click here.

THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036

This fire is located in the vicinity of the Rainbow Lake town. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 17,088 hectares. Due to the hot and dry conditions this fire experienced active fire behavior, growing to the west and northwest. Containment progress has been made on the East side of the wildfire and around the Town.

Alberta Wildfire firefighters, and air support from helicopters worked to create containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading further into the community. Heavy equipment was able to continue creating control lines along the perimeter. The Rainbow Lake Fire Department with additional Structural Protection support, continue to operationalize the protection of structures within the Town.  There are 66 firefighters, 8 helicopters, heavy equipment, support staff and airtankers as requested. Additional Resources and Wildfire Firefighters are working the fire today.

Resources will continue to work the north side of the fire, with additional resources working the south end of the fire.  The objective to complete control lines and reinforce the east side with ground crews has been effective. 

The Town of Rainbow Lake has put on an evacuation order. Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.

THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030

The Paskwa fire is located in the community of Fox Lake. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 21,297 hectares. Wildland Firefighters continue to work on the south flank of the fire. It has been confirmed the fire still remains on the south side of the Peace River. Structural protection operations continue to progress within the community. Progress to extinguish areas within the community continues. 

The forecast continues to challenge firefighters, and aircraft. 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.

Today there is 67 firefighters, 9 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers as needed. Additional firefighters and resources have been requested not only for this fire but to assist with the provincial situation as well.

Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order in place for the community of Fox Lake. Please stay informed by following their Facebook page. 

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  

WEATHER

Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue and will challenge firefighters and aircraft. The weather forecast is calling for a temperature of 19 degrees, a relative humidity of 30per cent and winds southwest.

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.

Stephanie Grocholski | Acting High Level Area Information Officer 

High Level Forest Area

Email: stephanie.grocholski@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