Edmonton - Eleven wildfires are burning out of control in Mackenzie County in northwestern Alberta, leading to two community evacuations. Local officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of the Hamlet of Zama and area work camps. Residents of the Dene Tha’ First Nation are under a voluntary evacuation.
About 300 evacuees have registered to date, including 134 from the hamlet and 164 from the First Nation.
Evacuee Information:
All evacuees are asked to register at the evacuation centre at the High Level Town Hall, 10511-103 Street, or call 780-841-1263 even if they do not require accommodation. By registering, evacuees will be able to get critical information about services available to them and information on when it is safe to re-enter their community. Alberta Health Services is at the reception centre to provide health advice or access to medication. The Government of Alberta is currently assisting local authorities in identifying longer-term accommodations should the evacuation remain in effect for an extended period of time.
Firefighting Efforts:
Firefighting efforts continue by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, assisted by firefighters from Mackenzie County.
Zama City Fire:
Strong winds last evening pushed the fire to within 10 kilometers of the hamlet. The fire is estimated to have burned more than 100,000 hectares; however, heavy smoke is preventing an accurate estimate of its size at this time. Sixty additional firefighters are now joining aircraft, firefighters and various pieces of heavy equipment already on scene in the efforts to contain the fire. The community completed a FireSmart plan in 2009 and has built a fire guard near the community which is helping firefighters. The fire guard consists of a cleared area to slow the spread of fire.
La Crete Fire:
The fire is currently located about 15 kilometers southeast of La Crete and is estimated at 1,000 hectares. There are 100 firefighters, five helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment on scene to help contain the fire.
Lutose Fire:
The fire is currently located about 30 kilometers north of Meander River and is estimated at 1,600 hectares. There are 100 firefighters, four helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment on scene to contain the fire.
All firefighting resources that were sent to assist other jurisdictions were recalled to Alberta and have been pre-positioned to respond to new wildfires. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development is currently assessing if any assistance will be required from other provinces or territories.
Air Quality:
Alberta Health Services has issued an air quality advisory for the area advising residents in the La Crete area with respiratory concerns to visit the advanced ambulatory care centre located in the La Crete Community Health Centre. Information about air quality and health can be found at www.albertahealthservices.ca under “advisories.”
Road Closures:
A previous road closure about 105 kilometers north of High Level on highway 35 is no longer in effect. Depending on fire and smoke conditions, the road may be closed again on short notice. Local road closures in the Wilson Prairie Road area remain in effect. Updates are posted at www.ama.ab.ca.
Wildfire Safety:
Albertans can help prevent wildfires by being careful in the forest and exercising caution when using off-highway vehicles. Fire danger ratings throughout most of Alberta’s forests have risen to high and in some places, extreme levels. Conditions are not expected to change into the weekend as hot temperatures persist and little rain is forecast.
Alberta Emergency Alert:
Local officials issued a critical alert on the Government of Alberta’s emergency alert system on July 10 at 10:21 p.m. The alert is still in effect. Evacuated residents should listen to local media or visit www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca for updated alerts.
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