There is one wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
Fire number: MWF031
Status: Being held
Size: 26,918 hectares (ha)
Location: 21 km north of Fort Chipewyan
Infrastructure nearby: Remote cabins
Resources assigned: Incident Management Team, ignition specialist, structure protection specialist and crews, 49 firefighters, and seven helicopters.
Comments:
This wildfire remains on the edge of Flett Lake. Current estimated size of the wildfire is 26,918 ha. The cause of the wildfire was lightening. It does not threaten any communities at this time. The fire has not grown towards the south and therefore has not gotten closer to Fort Chipewyan or the airport.
Easterly growth was observed on wildfire MWF031. Firefighters continue to work on strengthening the containment lines to the southern and eastern flank of the fire. Resources are being deployed to the east flank to help strengthen containment on that side. They were again assisted by helicopter bucketing operations.
Another group of firefighters has completed structure protection. They continue to maintain equipment such as pumps, hoses and sprinkler systems on buildings identified as being directly threatened by the wildfire. The structure protection plan for Fort Chipewyan, Allison Bay and Dog Head is complete.
Temperatures today could reach 30 degrees with humidity around 25 per cent. Winds are expected to come from the southwest at 20 km/p pushing the wildfire northeast. Thunderstorms and trace amounts of rain are expected today. Weak inversions could increase the smoke in the area but, it is expected to break by 11 a.m., allowing the smoke to dissipate
Today, firefighters and helicopters will continue their indirect attack on the wildfire. A total of49 firefighters and seven helicopters are assigned to wildfire MWF031 and stationed in Fort Chipewyan. Additional aircraft are available if needed in Fort McMurray.
Local aircraft operators, please be advised that a “notice to airmen” NOTAM is in effect for the area surrounding wildfire MWF031.
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.
Rocky Mountain House Forest Area