Courtesy: High Level Forest Area
(May 27 – 2pm)
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills wildfire) is a mutual aid wildfire that originated in the border zone with the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) in 2023. It is currently located near Indian Cabins, just south of the N.W.T. border. Crews worked on it into the fall and winter and the fire carried over into 2024. On May 10, the fire crossed Highway 35, near Indian Cabins and the Hay River, and on May 23 it spread north, crossing the border back into the N.W.T. It is estimated that since May 10, 24,000 hectares have burned, and the fire is now considered out of control. Please note that this affected area (24,000 ha) is not included in the total number of hectares indicated in the HLFA, as it is a mutual-aid wildfire with shared jurisdiction with the N.W.T.
Highway 35 and surrounding roads may be impacted. We urge all motorists to check Alberta 511 before travelling in the area—allowing extra time in case of road closures. For up-to-date information on highway closures, visit Alberta 511 or download the app.
With only trace amounts of precipitation recorded on the fire yesterday, significant growth was observed. An air inversion caused fog and smoke to remain low to the ground for a good part of the morning. This resulted in some delays in getting crews out to their assignments as they could not get there safely by helicopter. Once in the field, crews continued to work with heavy equipment and helicopters with helibuckets to build and reinforce containment lines. 124 firefighters, 17 helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment remain assigned to the incident.
Heavy helicopters are being used to work the portion of the fire east of the Hay River. Their considerable water carrying capabilities are being used to cool areas that are causing smoke along Highway 35. Alberta Wildfire is coordinating its air suppression efforts with the N.W.T. with both agencies using different aircraft to limit the spread of the fire on either side of the border.
All suppression efforts along the N.W.T. border are coordinated with the N.W.T. government. Please see https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/wildfire-update for more information on their activities.
Today, a high of 21 C is expected along with a low relative humidity of 30%, southeasterly winds at 15 km/h and two to four millimetres of precipitation. The speed and intensity at which the fire could spread will be much reduced in these conditions. However, this minimal precipitation will do little to affect the ongoing drought conditions in the area. Tomorrow, there will be a return to drier weather.
We ask that the public stay away from the area as firefighters and aircraft continue their work containing the spread of the wildfire. DO NOT use drones in the surrounding area of the wildfire. If you’re in the sky, we can’t fly.
(May 27 – 10am)
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills wildfire) is a mutual aid wildfire that originated in the border zone with the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) in 2023. It is currently located near Indian Cabins, just south of the N.W.T. border. Crews worked on it into the fall and winter and the fire carried over into 2024. On May 10, the fire crossed Highway 35, near Indian Cabins and the Hay River, and on May 23 it spread north, crossing the border back into the N.W.T. It is estimated that since May 10, 20,000 hectares have burned, and the fire is now considered out of control. Please note that this affected area (20,000 ha) is not included in the total number of hectares indicated in the HLFA, as it is a mutual-aid wildfire with shared jurisdiction with the N.W.T.
Highway 35 and surrounding roads may be impacted. We urge all motorists to check Alberta 511 before travelling in the area—allowing extra time in case of road closures. For up-to-date information on highway closures, visit Alberta 511 or download the app.
The hot, dry and windy conditions yesterday, caused the fire to exhibit volatile behaviour, particularly on the northern perimeter east of the Hay River. Crews had been assigned to the southern flanks and other areas where their safety could be assured. Firefighters worked with heavy equipment and helicopters with helibuckets to build and reinforce containment lines. 124 firefighters, 17 helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment remain assigned to the incident.
Since firefighters could not work on the northern perimeter due to the intensity of the fire, only aircraft were utilized in this area. Alberta Wildfire coordinated its air suppression efforts with the N.W.T. with both agencies using different aircraft to limit the spread of the fire on either side of the border. Alberta Wildfire employed the use of water bombers and air tankers throughout the afternoon and evening.
All suppression efforts along the N.W.T. border are coordinated with the N.W.T. government. Please see https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/wildfire-update for more information on their activities.
Today, a high of 19 C is expected along with a low relative humidity of 35%, southeasterly winds at 15 km/h and a chance of one to three millimetres of precipitation. Due to the ongoing drought conditions, this minimal rain will not have much impact and the fire may continue to gain significant ground. Tomorrow, there will be a greater chance of precipitation with two to four millimetres forecasted.
We ask that the public stay away from the area as firefighters and aircraft continue their work containing the spread of the wildfire. DO NOT use drones in the surrounding area of the wildfire. If you’re in the sky, we can’t fly.
