There is one wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
HWF030
HWF030 is classified as out of control at approximately 2,100 hectares. This wildfire is located about 8.5 km southwest of Zama in the High Level Forest Area. Temperatures are expected to reach 26 degrees today, with a relative humidity of 35 per cent today with winds from the northeast at 15-20 km/h.
There are currently 72 firefighters with air and heavy equipment groups responding to this wildfire. This includes three air tanker groups, which are currently working on the fire. An incident management team, which will coordinate frontline operations and supporting resources, is now in the Zama area to manage this wildfire.
Crews are established on the south, east and southeast flanks. These perimeter flanks are expected to hold well throughout the day. Work continues on the dozer guard, which is currently providing about 30 per cent containment, however, there are some challenges in areas with wet terrain. Fire and emergency management personnel from other jurisdictions have been briefed and are prepared to augment our efforts, if required, at reinforcing perimeter/fireguard areas around Zama.
The north and northeast flank of the fire, which is closest to Zama, burned into a low-lying wet area that slowed its spread towards Zama City. The wildfire is now burning in a northwest direction towards a large, wet area (the fire moved 0.5 km closer to Zama overnight; a total of 3.5 km closer since it started).
Structural protection crews have made good progress in Zama, with sprinkler systems expected to be operational this afternoon.
With the arrival of an additional 20 firefighters, we expect to have 92 firefighters today, along with ongoing air and ground support. Firefighters. air support and heavy equipment operators will continue to work day and night to contain and control this wildfire.
Night operations are planned for tonight when fire behavior is more subdued. Heavy equipment and firefighters along with night vision helicopters will work on getting this wildfire contained.
Mackenzie County has issued an evacuation notice for Zama, as this wildfire (HWF030) to the SW of Zama is continuing to advance toward Chateh Road and the Zama Access Road. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/N8v1mnqaSA55Qo1j/ or https://mackenziecounty.com/
A wildfire of note is determined to be of significant public interest and may pose a threat to public safety, communities or critical infrastructure.
Wildfires of note do not typically include mutual aid wildfires located outside of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Alberta Wildfire provides assistance on a mutual aid wildfire but is not the lead agency.
The Forest Protection Area of Alberta is divided into ten forest areas. Find the latest updates for each area or subscribe to receive them in your inbox.
Rocky Mountain House Forest Area