The Paskwa Wildfire (HLW030) burns near Fighting Lake, May 14, 2023
WILDFIRE DANGER
The Wildfire danger is EXTREME in the High Level Forest Area.
We ask Albertans to be extremely cautious if they are spending time in the Forest Area of Alberta. The hot and dry weather continues to drive up the extreme wildfire danger. In these conditions, a wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly.
WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT| MAY 15,2023 at 9:00 a.m.
There are currently five wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Two of these wildfires are classified as out of control and three are under control.
Firefighters, aircraft, and heavy equipment have been working in conjunction with communities, county and municipal firefighting services as aggressively as possible to make progress on these wildfires. Despite all of this hard work, there remains uncontained wildfire perimeter and fire behavior forecasts indicate that there will be growth on the wildfires throughout the region.
Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province can contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.
To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.
There are multiple EVACUATION ORDERS & ALERTS in the Province. Please visit Alberta Emergency Alerts or your community webpage for more information.
THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036 | MAY 15,2023 at 9:00 a.m.
This fire is located in the vicinity of the Town of Rainbow Lake. This wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) at 108,482 hectares.
With the extreme fire behavior expected today response preparedness and safety of crews and support on the fire is the priority. It is currently approximately 22 Km from the community of Chateh. The wildfires in the North are producing significant smoke in the area. Alberta Wildfire is completing assessments of the current situation of the wildfire and the impacts. Teams are working hard on existing fire guards and are assessing the community of Chateh for operational protection needs.
Our top priority is the safety of the people in the Town of Rainbow Lake, Community of Chateh, and Oil and Gas and Energy infrastructure. Wildland firefighter crews and wildland urban interface crews continue to ensure protection of the structures within the town and community. Ground crews will continue to assess excursions around the Town of Rainbow Lake and ensure all excursions are fully extinguished. Continued support for restoration of critical infrastructure and communications systems in the Town of Rainbow Lake.
There are road closures in the area. Please visit 511 for the most updated travel information.
Today there are 83 firefighters, helicopters, heavy equipment and air tankers as requested working on the Long Lake Fire. Structural protection crews will continue protecting structures within the area as the wildfire situation evolves. These crews have deployed to the community of Chateh to work on structural protection operations. Two 20-person Hot Shot crews have arrived from the United States on the Wildfire to help suppress the fire.
A low approaches NW Alberta Monday afternoon into evening producing a wind shift south and
east through the forest area into the evening. Morning SE winds 15-20 km/h become NW 20-25 km/h with wind gusts exceeding 40 km/h possible into the peak burning period. Coupled with high to extreme Fire Weather indices this will produce a particularly hazardous fire environment.
The Town of Rainbow Lake is on evacuation order.
The Community of Chateh is now on evacuation order.
Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.
THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030 | MAY 14, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
The Paskwa fire is located in the community of Fox Lake and was detected on May 2, 2023. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 35,285 hectares. The fire is
approximately 6km from the Wood Buffalo National Park boundary and 13km from the community of Garden River.
Today, the Structure Protection Group will begin installation of sprinklers and other structure
protection measures in the community of Garden River. The incoming cold front and shifting winds
may create favorable conditions for ignition operations and the burning of forest fuels on the
northeast perimeter of the fire over the coming days. This will help secure the perimeter of the
fire and help prevent spread fire growth towards the community. Crews may begin retardant drops to create control lines in preparation for this work today and air tanker operations could be visible
from Garden River.
Overnight winds shifted and are now coming from the East. This has cleared smoke in the community of Garden River and conditions should remain clear over the next few days. The Paskwa fire is now visible from the community, but it remains outside the park boundary.
Firefighters and heavy equipment will continue building a fire guard along the perimeter moving
east from Deep Lake and working in the community of Fox Lake to create safe conditions to allow for re- entry, beginning with temporary access and escorted community visits.
Today there are 76 firefighters, 13 helicopters, and heavy equipment working on the Paskwa fire.
Air tanker support is available as requested.
Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order in place for the community of Fox Lake. The
community of Garden River is on an evacuation alert. For information regarding the evacuation,
please stay informed by visiting the Little Red River Cree Nation’s Facebook page.
The Incident Management Team will continue to coordinate with the Wood Buffalo National Park
management team as the fire moves towards the park boundary.
Weather Forecast | Paskwa Fire (HWF030)
The Incident Management Team has a dedicated Fire Behaviour Analyst and therefore the weather briefing will be fire area specific. Hot and dry conditions continue with no significant rain in the forecast. Today the forecast is as follows, a temperature of 28 degrees and a relative humidity of 15 percent. A cold front will be passing through the area bringing with it winds from the northwest of 15 km/h to 30 km/h, with gusts of up to 55km/h. These winds will continue throughout the day and into the overnight period. Wind direction will also change throughout the day, coming from the east and switching to out of the northwest as the front passes.
Where can I find more information about the wildfires?
Current information on wildfires can be found:
- alberta.ca
- Download the Alberta Wildfire Status App https://open.alberta.ca/blog/?page_id=206
- High Level Forest Area Updates: https://srd.web.alberta.ca/high-level-area-update
- Follow Alberta Wildfire on Facebook, twitter and Instagram.
To Report a wildfire call 310-FIRE(3473)
SMOKE RELATED ISSUES
If you see smoke that is causing safety concerns to road conditions, please report to Alberta 511. Individuals experiencing smoke related health issues, can contact Alberta Health. To see a map showing the smoke forecast please click here.
WEATHER
Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue and will continue to challenge firefighters and aircraft. Today, the forecast is calling for a high of 25 degrees, a relative humidity of 15 per cent with winds from the Southeast 15 km/h.
DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES!
The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.
*Transport Canada
A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information.
Before you head out to the forested areas in the province, make sure you are aware of the fire ban situation and OHV restrictions in your area. When firefighters are sent to extinguish abandoned campfires, they are valuable resources taken away, that could be fighting other wildfires which could threaten homes or communities.
Under this fire ban:
•All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
•No new Fire Permits will be issued
Prohibited:
•All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
•Backyard firepits
•BBQ charcoal briquettes
•The use of fireworks and exploding targets
•The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails
Allowed:
•Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
•Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
•Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
•All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
•Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
•Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
•Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.
WE URGE RESIDENTS AND RECREATIONALISTS TO USE EXTRA CAUTION
Due to the current dry grass, warm weather and possible windy conditions, there is an increased risk of wildfires in the Forest Area. We urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and take the following precautions:
- Do not start any fires or use open flames in areas that are susceptible to catching fire, such as near dry vegetation like grass or wooded areas.
- Dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials properly, do not throw them on the ground.
- If you see a wildfire, immediately call 310-FIRE (3473) and report the location of the fire.
- Avoid using equipment that could generate sparks, friction or flames, such as power tools or lawn mowers, in areas with dry vegetation.
- Ensure grinders and welders are properly maintained and used in areas that are free from dry vegetation. Have sufficient water and tools on hand. Always keep watch of your surroundings and look around at regular intervals for smoke or flames that may have been accidently ignited.
We encourage everyone to stay informed about the current wildfire risk and to follow any guidance or orders from emergency personnel. By working together and taking proactive steps, we can help reduce the risk of wildfires in our community.
WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. Available for Apple and Android.
Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.
Subscribe to the High Level Forest Area Update to receive an email when new information is posted. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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Stephanie Grocholski
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Email: wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca
Mobile: 780-926-7509
Victoria Ostendorf | Paskwa Fire (HWF030)
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca
Mobile: 780-841-9387