WILDFIRE UPDATE

Battle Complex:

PCX-001 (formerly PWF 052 and 054):

This lightning caused fire is now BEING HELD at 55,179 hectares in size in the Manning/Notikewin area. 

Low level and high level (11,000 feet) scanning are being used to locate hotspots. Crews work from this data and are targeting areas that indicate heat.

Crews continue to mop up and target hotspots on all areas of the perimeter but are concentrating on the north flank, the bay on the east flank, and along the Stowe Road. The objective is to put a 100 foot wet line around the 230 kilometre perimeter.

Temperatures today reached 28 degrees, winds are from the north/northwest with a 40% chance of rain before this evening. Tomorrow our Fire Behaviour Specialist is forecasting 26 degree temperature, 25% relative humidity, winds southeast 15-20 km/hr and a 20% chance of precipitation. Just a reminder that when the relative humidity drops below 30% the fire activity increases. We expect to see burning within the perimeter tomorrow.

The Battle Fire continues to have ‘Being Held’ status. This fire has many pockets of green fuel in the middle of the fire. These pockets of fuel are no threat to the perimeter, but they will continue to put up smoke on warm, dry days.

There are 385 firefighters and support staff, 14 helicopters and 38 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. 

• Battle Complex Map

PWF 070 remains classified as under control at 251 hectares in size west of Keg River. The fire has been completely surrounded by dozer guard and the perimeter has not changed since Monday of last week.   

• PWF 070 map 

PWF 076 is being held at 37 hectares in size in the Cliffdale area (33 kms east of St. Isidore and 27 kms south of Cadotte Lake). Fire fighters, helicopters and heavy machinery continue to work to bring this wildfire under control. No communities are at risk at this time.

• PWF 076 map

HWF 042 (Chuckegg Creek Fire)

For updates on this fire, please visit http://srd.web.alberta.ca/high-level-area-update 

For your safety and the safety of the numerous firefighters working to contain these wildfires, please stay obey the access restrictions and stay out of the area.

For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.

ROAD CLOSURES

The Chinchaga Road continues to be closed to the public. It can be accessed by commercial traffic but there are danger trees along the route so those using the road must stop at the checkpoints, drive 50 km/hr and drive straight through the area affected by the fire.  No stopping is permitted while traversing the fire area. 

Highway 35 is open for travel between Township Road 1022 and 5km south of High Level. This portion requires a police escort. Expect major delays in the area. There still is no access to Paddle Prairie at this time due to the wildfire.

For information on road closures and other access related hazards, visit Alberta 511 or download the free Alberta 511 app.

SMOKE

Smoke has been drifting back into the area throughout the day and there have even been reports of ash falling in some areas.  This smoke is coming in from the Chuckegg Fire in the High Level Forest Area.  For more information on that fire, please see the link above.

Smoke may be drifting into the area for the foreseeable future. Anyone with health concerns should check with Alberta Health Services or call 811 for 24/7 health advice from Alberta Health Link. For a smoke forecast map, visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada .  

Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta may also cause reduced visibility. Please turn your vehicle headlights from auto to on when driving. For further information on air quality, visit: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx

FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED

All fire permits have been suspended, effective on May 16 at 6 pm.  No fire permits will be issued until the fire danger conditions improve.