Here is the update we received from the government of Alberta at 9:08pm on Saturday, May 6th.
WILDFIRE SITUATION REPORT
There are six wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, three are classified as Out of Control (OC), one is Being Held (BH) and two are Under Control (UC). Today firefighters have responded to one new wildfire start in the High Level Forest Area. To see all wildfires on a map and find more information regarding wildfires in Alberta please click here.
HWF042
Wildfire HWF042 is located approximately 1 km north of the Peace River bridge and is classified as Out of Control (OC) at 155 hectares. Due to the hot and dry conditions this fire is experiencing extreme fire behaviour and is spreading in a northwest direction along the Boyer River. The fire crossed highway 88 and therefore Alberta Transportation previously closed the highway however is reopen to one lane. As the situation is always evolving please stay informed about road and highway closures please click here.
There is 12 firefighters in conjunction with the La Crete and Fort Vermilion Fire Departments, 7 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers working hard to prevent the fire from spreading towards homes and critical infrastructure.
Rural areas of Mackenzie County and and parts of Beaver First Nation have put on an evacuation order. Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.
THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036
This fire is located 1 km south of highway 58, south of the Rainbow Lake Airport. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC) and the last recorded size is 11,913 hectares. Due to the hot and dry conditions this fire experienced active fire behaviour, growing significantly to the west, northwest away from the Town of Rainbow Lake.
Alberta Wildfire firefighters, the Rainbow Lake Fire Department and air support from helicopters worked to create containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading towards the community. Heavy equipment was able to continue creating control lines on the east side. Further progress on the northwest corner was completed by an additional heavy equipment crew. There are 49 firefighters, 4 helicopters, heavy equipment, support staff and airtankers as requested.
Resources will continue to work the north side of the fire, with additional resources working the south end of the fire. A weather change including wind direction is expected to change early next week and our operational tactics will shift to strengthen control lines on the northwest side and the south flank of the fire. The objective is to complete control lines and reinforce with ground crews.
The Town of Rainbow Lake has put on an evacuation order. Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.
THE PASKWA FIRE | HWF030
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 16,400 hectares. Due to the hot and windy conditions the fire has been experiencing very active fire behaviour and growth. There has been significant spread on the south side and this fire remains on the south side of the Peace River at this time.
The forecast continues to challenge firefighters, and aircraft. Firefighter and aircraft safety is top priority as a Red Flag Warning remains in effect. As the fire situation changes firefighters, helicopters, support staff, heavy equipment and airtankers will be working hard to reevaluate their tactics to prevent fire spread to homes and critical infrastructure.
Today there is 67 firefighters, 9 helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers as needed. Additional firefighters and resources have been requested not only for this fire but to assist with the provincial situation as well.
Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order in place for the community of Fox Lake. Please stay informed by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app or by visiting their website.
