Photo: Facebook / Alberta Wildfire

By Shaun Penner

Wildfires

Chuckegg Creek wildfire no longer classified as out of control

Jul 25, 2019 | 2:14 PM

After thousands of evacuated residents and over two months of being classified as out of control, the Chuckegg Creek Wildfire is now classified as being held.

After over two months of firefighting efforts, crews finally feel comfortable enough to say the fire will not be spreading beyond its current layout.

“We were able to contain it into natural boundaries in some areas, mixed with fire guard and suppression efforts,” said Wildfire Information Officer for the Chuckegg Creek fire Matt Bell. “Great job by firefighters and helicopters supporting the firefighters on the ground with suppression efforts to bring it into a situation where we’re able to contain it.”

The blaze, which was discovered southwest of the town of High Level on May 12, has burned over 350,000 hectares and had led to the evacuation of town residents later that month. It has also affected residents throughout Mackenzie and Northern Lights Counties. It also did significant damage to the community of Paddle Prairie.

Bell says that they feel confident enough that the fire will stay contained, despite a lack of help from mother nature. Although there is a rainfall warning put in place for the High Level area on Thursday, that rain has been spotty.

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“I know one of our camps near Keg River, overnight got 30+ mm of rain,” said Bell. “Whereas we haven’t even seen a drop here in this High Level area, where our incident command post is based out of.”

“Even without it, we’re confident with our fire management plan to be able to make that status change.”

He also issues a reminder that a fire being held does not mean under control or fully extinguished. 800 firefighters and support staff, 47 helicopters and 50 pieces of heavy equipment are still working in the area, and fire and heavy smoke can still be expected at times while crews continue to work. Bell thanks residents for being patient, but does ask that citizens do not hinder on-going firefighting efforts in the area.

“We’re asking the public to respect the firefighter’s efforts in this affected area.”

With the status change, the mandatory evacuation order for residents from the Devil Lake area has been lifted.

The High Level forest area still has over 20 fires being fought. Two at this time are classified as out of control, the largest of those being southeast of La Crete at 273 hectares in size.