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 9, 2023 AS OF 10:30 AM

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 prepositioned 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 17,399 hectares.  This morning we are experiencing relatively low fire intensity with an increase in intensity expected throughout the day as the fuels recover. Winds are calm this morning.

Alberta Wildfire firefighters, and air support from helicopters continue to secure containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading further into the community. Heavy equipment was able to continue creating control lines along the perimeter and have made significant progress working overnight. 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.

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 and was detected on May 2, 2023. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 21,297 hectares.

Yesterday’s slight reprieve in conditions decreased fire activity however the forecast for the coming days will see a return in continued hot and windy conditions. Yesterday the fire experienced active ground fire with further spread on the south, northeast and east side of the fire. As of this update the fire is approximately 2.9 km away from the cultural heritage site and remains on the south side of the Peace River.

Structure protection resources continue to work within the community on hotspots. Firefighters are using all of their available tools to control this wildfire. Ignition operation tactics reduce fire spread by using current natural barriers to control the fire line. Yesterday an ignition plan on the southeast side of the fire was successful in burning areas of concern along the fire perimeter.

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, 11 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