Courtesy: Big Lakes County
May 21 Wildfire Update
Grizzly Complex – SWF057 (Grizzly Ridge Wildfire), SWF063 (East Prairie, Gilwood & Banana Belt Wildfire), SWF064 (Blue Lake Wildfire)
In total there are 88 firefighters,14 helicopters and six heavy equipment groups working on the Grizzly complex wildfires.
SWF-057 – located approximately 26 kilometres 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 8,711 hectares. Firefighters and heavy equipment will be focusing on the west side of the wildfire and aircraft will be deployed once visibility improves. There are 21 firefighters and a heavy equipment group working on this wildfire.
At this time, Highway 33 is open however travel is not recommended due to heavy smoke. For the road conditions visit https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts.
SWF-063 – located approximately seven kilometers south of High Prairie and approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Swan Hills is classified as burning out of control and has burned an estimated 92,742 hectares. Firefighters continue to work in the northern end of the wildfire extinguishing hotspots. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard around the fire excursion in the East Prairie Metis Settlement and firefighters are working to extinguish hotspots along the edge of fire guards. In the south end of the wildfire, heavy equipment is building a fire guard and firefighters are working on extinguishing hotspots along the guard. There are 56 firefighters and four heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire. 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 – located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 22,220 hectares. No significant growth was observed on the wildfire over the past days. The fire guard on the northeast and northwest side of the wildfire is holding. Heavy equipment continues to work on this wildfire.
SWF068 and PWF038 – (The Kimiwan Complex/Peavine Wildfire) – SWF068 is classified as Out of Control (OC). It is estimated to be approximately 108,889 ha in size. At this time, heavy smoke is causing reduced visibility for aircraft. When visibility improves, helicopters with firefighters, and airtankers will be deployed. Heavy equipment and firefighters continue to build fire guard on the wildfire’s active areas.
Wildfire crews continue to reinforce protective measures and have been working with municipal firefighters to assist with structural protection around nearby communities, including the Town of McLennan and the Peavine Metis Settlement. The north perimeter has crossed Seal Lake Road and South Harmon Valley Road (Twp. 820). It is approximately 38 kilometers south of Cadotte Lake and 39 kilometers south of Little Buffalo. Containment efforts are planned for the north and west flank of the wildfire.
An Incident Management Team is now in place in The Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) and has taken over management of the Kimiwan Complex (SWF068 and PWF038). Additional firefighting crews and resources are being deployed to assist. Canadian Armed Forces personnel have also arrived in the PRFA, and will assist in firefighting duties as well as humanitarian aid if required.
These resources were deployed to the Peace River Forest Area from Alberta Wildfire though interagency agreements. Alberta has requested additional resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg, and we also have agreements with the United States and Mexico.
Saulteaux Complex – SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087
These wildfires are located approximately five kilometres northwest of Smith and 30 kilometres east of the Town of Slave Lake. The wildfires are classified as burning out of control. The estimated wildfire sizes are as follows; SWF085 is 39.4 hectares, SWF086 is 4,795 hectares and SWF087 is 1,036 hectares. At this time, heavy smoke is causing reduced visibility for aircraft. Airtankers and helicopters will be deployed once visibility improves. Smouldering ground fire can be seen all the way around the wildfire perimeters.
Wildland firefighters with water trucks are working together with the Fire Department on the ground putting out hotspots. Structure Protection Crews have established equipment to protect homes that may be impacted on the northwest side of the wildfire and along the Old Smith Highway. Fire guard is being built on the north side of the wildfires to prevent spread to nearby homes. Today, firefighters are also working to prevent spread to the east side of the wildfire perimeter to protect the community of Smith and on the west of the Otauwau River. There is a total of 24 firefighters and ten support staff assisting six pieces of heavy equipment. Five helicopters will be performing bucketing operations when safe to do so. Military personnel have arrived and will be helping with transportation, safety, and various firefighting duties.
The MD of Lesser Slave River has issued an evacuation order for all residents along Old Smith Highway from Township Road 715 (Smith Bridge) to Range Road 45 (Tollenaars Bridge). A four hour evacuation warning has been issued for all residents in Hondo, the hamlet of Smith, and all properties between. It also includes the Fawcett Lake Resort, Broken Paddle and all residents between Fawcett Lake and Smith bridge on township road 715. Mitsue Industrial Park area is also on a four hour evacuation notice.
Highway 2 remains open however AB Transportation may close it for safety risk at anytime. For the latest road conditions visit https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts.
