Courtesy of Big Lakes County:
May 23 @ 3 PM – WILDFIRE UPDATE
Wildfire Danger
Rain has brought relief to the wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area for today.
At this time, the Fire Ban and OHV Restriction remains in effect. AB Wildfire is currently assessing rain fall amounts and forecasted weather. Firefighters appreciate your patience and cooperation.
Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Grizzly Complex – Grizzly Complex – SWF057 (Grizzly Ridge Wildfire), SWF063 (East Prairie, Gilwood & Banana Belt Wildfire), SWF064 (Blue Lake Wildfire)
Cool temperatures and rain has reduced the fire behavior on all these wildfires.
SWF-057 is located approximately 26 kilometers south of Kinuso and over 30 kilometers southwest of the Town of Slave Lake, is classified as out of control and has burned an estimated 16,728 hectares. Firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots along Highway 33 and the perimeter of the wildfire.
SWF-063 is located approximately seven kilometers south of High Prairie, and sixteen kilometers northwest of Swan Hills, is classified as burning out of control and has burned an estimated 123,670 hectares. In the northwestern portion of the wildfire, firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots in the Banana Belt and East Prairie Metis Settlement areas. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guards around the edge of wildfire excursions. East Prairie Metis Settlement and Town of Swan Hills are under an evacuation order. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx
SWF-064 is located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills, is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 40,060 hectares. There was insufficient visibility to do an aerial assessment of this fire yesterday, but no significant growth was expected. This wildfire has connected to SWF-063 to the north. One heavy equipment group is working on this wildfire.
There are 13 helicopters (including 2 heavy machines), five groups of heavy equipment and 77 firefighters working on the Grizzly Complex.
SWF068 and PWF038 (Kimiwan/Peavine Complex Wildfire)
SWF068 located approximately six kilometers northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement. Firefighting operations are being conducted by the Peace River Forest Area. Peavine Metis Settlement remains under an evacuation order. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx For more information on this wildfire visit the Peace River Wildfire Update.
Saulteaux Complex – SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087
These wildfires are located approximately five kilometers northwest of Smith and 30 kilometers east of the Town of Slave Lake. The wildfires are classified as burning out of control and the estimated wildfire sizes are as follows; SWF085 is 39.4 hectares, SWF086 is 4,802 hectares and SWF087 is 1,500 hectares.
Smoldering ground fire can be seen all the way around the wildfire perimeter. Structure Protection Crews have established equipment to protect homes on the north side of the wildfire and along the Old Smith Highway. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard on the north side of the wildfires and firefighters are working to extinguish hotspots along the east side of the wildfire perimeter.
There is a total of 100 firefighters and 24 support staff assisting 14 pieces of heavy equipment on the Nipisi and Saulteaux Complexes. 16 helicopters are conducting bucketing operations visibility will allow them too. 88 military personnel will be helping with transportation, safety, and various firefighting duties.
Message for homeowners in wildfire areas
AB Wildfire asks that residents stay out of areas that have been burned by the wildfires in the area. Wildfires will make the root systems of trees weak, and any amount of wind will affect the trees in the area. Falling trees will be an ongoing hazard and for residents’ safety, you should avoid the burned-out areas.
Firefighters will be actively working on and around property’s extinguishing hotspots, please give them the space they need to work.
There will be structure protection equipment on homes and infrastructure in the area. We ask that you do not move the equipment as it is in place to protect buildings on your property. Structure protection will remain in place until the wildfire threat has decreased.
