Due to gusty wind conditions in the High Level Forest Area (HLFA) the fire hazard is now at high. It is advised to hold off on any burning until weather conditions improve. Be cautious as dry grass has become more exposed throughout our area. Dry grasses are easy to ignite and wildfires will spread quickly in these conditions.
WILDFIRE UPDATE APRIL 20, 2016 AT 1600HRS
The High Level Forest Area (HLFA) has had five new wildfires in the last 24 hours. Out of these fires; one wildfire is being held at 47 hectares in size and is located five kilometres east of the Chin Bridge, south of highway 58. Agriculture and Forestry firefighters along with industry partners are on scene and are working hard to extinguish this fire. Two have been turned over to the responsible party and two have been extinguished.
For a map of all fire locations and statuses in the HLFA please click here.
Anyone with health concerns regarding smoke should check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24/7 health advice from Alberta Health Link.
For a smoke forecast map, please visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada.
Keep your OHV clean. The hot areas on your OHV can collect dried grasses and other debris and start a wildfire. Please clean your quad regularly throughout the day. Also, carry a water bucket or fire extinguisher with you to help in the event of starting a wildfire.
Over the next several weeks, firefighters will be burning areas of dry grass in and around many communities in the High Level Forest Area (HLFA). Burning helps to remove the dangerous build-up of dry grass that becomes prominent around many communities in the spring. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wildfire Information Officer Victoria Ostendorf at (780) 841-9387.
BURN IT WITH A PERMIT
All fires in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a permit. For your FREE fire permit and information regarding safe burning practices please contact the High Level Wildfire Forest Area at 780-926-5407. Please call in advance and leave a detailed message with your name, home location, burn location, what you plan to burn and the date and time you need the permit for.
CHECK All WINTER BURN SITES
By checking all winter burn sites and ensuring they are extinguished you can help prevent a spring wildfire. Fires can smolder under the snow all winter and emerge as a wildfire in the spring when conditions are warm and dry. When checking winter burn sites, spread around any remaining debris and dig deep into the ashes to check for heat. A fire is not extinguished until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes. Soak it, Stir it and Soak it again!
A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it's out. This video shows you how to make sure your campfire is out.
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Victoria Ostendorf – Wildfire Information Officer
Agriculture and Forestry
High Level Forest Area
780-841-9387