Courtesy: County of GP
Peavine Creek & Boone Lake Complex Wildfire Update #6 – Evacuation Alert Remains in place near Preston Lake; weather could prove challenging
Increased wind yesterday evening led to moderate behaviour of both area wildfires. Established containment lines on the BC-AB border held at the Peavine Creek Wildfire. Work to complete and reinforce fire guards will be ongoing today, as weather conditions may prove challenging.
Evacuation Alert
· The evacuation alert remains in place for residents near Preston Lake. Residents north of Township Road 732, west of Range Road 131, and south of Township Road 742 should be prepared to evacuate with one hour’s notice.
Weather Conditions
· Today’s weather forecast shows winds, lower humidity and higher temperatures that may increase wildfire activity.
· Moderate precipitation is forecast starting tomorrow.
Fire Ban in Place
· Residents are reminded that a fire ban remains in place across the County, and for the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
Peavine Creek Wildfire Status
· Peavine Creek wildfire is currently being managed by a BC Incident Management Team. County Regional Fire Service and Horse Lake First Nation are assisting with the response, at their request and under their direction.
· According to BC Wildfire:
o The Peavine Creek wildfire is within 1 km of the Alberta border
· Based on a helicopter flight earlier today, crews were able to confirm that the fire did not cross established containment lines on the east side.
· Today, County and Horse Lake First Nation crews aim to complete fire guards along the border. Additional fire guards to the east are being established.
· Structural protection of at-risk properties remains in place.
Boone Lake Complex Wildfire Status
· AB Wildfire is the lead responding agency working with Saddle Hills County. According to AB Wildfire:
o The County is also monitoring the Boone Lake Complex, two wildfires located in Saddle Hills County.
o Information on the Boone Lake Complex wildfires, including estimated size and status is reported by Alberta Wildfire. According to Alberta Wildfire, the wildfire is 70 per cent contained.
o A 50-person firefighting crew and the south perimeter is supported with long term fire retardant, helicopter bucketing and heavy equipment and ground resources
Stay up to date and stay prepared
County residents are encouraged to subscribe to receive latest news directly in their email inbox: www.countygp.ab.ca/subscribe. Latest news is also shared on the County of Grande Prairie Facebook and Twitter channels.
Make an emergency plan and stay prepared. Learn more: Emergency Services and Preparedness – County of Grande Prairie No.1 (countygp.ab.ca).
More information and resources:
· Boone Lake Wildfire complex: Wildfire status | Alberta.ca
· Peavine Creek Wildfire: BC Wildfire Dashboard (arcgis.com)
· Text ‘wildfire’ to 88111 to receive information on air quality, how to report a wildfire, resources for planning ahead, mental health supports, and support for Albertans affected by the wildfires. Resources are also available at http://ahs.ca/wildfire.
