Wildfires of note

May 4, 2023

Posted on Thu, May 04, 2023

There are three wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.


HWF-030

  • WildfireHWF-030 is located in the community of Fox Lake. This wildfire is classified as Out of Control (OC) at 1,458 hectares. There are 36 firefighters, 3 helicopters, local firefighters, and heavy equipment working on this fire. Airtankers will be supporting firefighters today as requested. 

  • Overnight firefighters were able to work the southeast side of the fire putting out flames and hotspots. Heavy equipment worked to complete fire guards around nearby homes as well.

  • This morning crews have reported active open flame on the northeast corner of the fire. This area of the fire will be the priority for crews today. On the west side of the fire the retardant lines laid down by the airtankers has been effective in preventing further spread towards the community.

  • The forecast is calling for a temperature of 27 degrees, and winds south 15 km/h -20 km/h gusting 35 km/h.

  • Little Red River Cree Nation has evacuated homes within proximity to fire number HWF030. Evacuees have been instructed to go to the Fox Lake Band office or call 1-888-201-3053.

HWF-036

  • Wildfire HWF-036 is located near the community of Rainbow Lake. This wildfire is 400 ha in size.

  • 18 firefighters, two helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment are currently working the wildfire. Heavy bucketing helicopters are re-positioning to the High Level area to assist. An additional 24 firefighters and an incident management team have been dispatched.

WCU-002

  • is approximately 7 km northwest of Evansburg on both sides of Highway 22, 3 km north of Highway 16. This wildfire is classified as Out of Control at 2,300 ha in size.

  • Today, a total of 14 pieces of heavy equipment and six helicopters will be assisting 64 firefighters, additional firefighters are expected to arrive today.

  • An Incident Management Team from Alberta Wildfire assumed command of the incident last night. A structural protection unit has been deployed at the wildfire and is working with Yellowhead County.

  • The County has lifted the evacuation order and residents are returning to their homes.

For more information on wildfires in Alberta please visit:

Alberta Wildfire Dashboard https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3ffcc2d0ef3e4e0999b0cf8b636defa3

 This information will be updated, as required, by 11 a.m.


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. 

Calgary Forest Area 

Edson Forest Area 

Fort McMurray Forest Area 

Grande Prairie Forest Area 

High Level Forest Area 

Lac La Biche Forest Area 

Peace River Forest Area 

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area 

Slave Lake Forest Area 

Whitecourt Forest Area