Boundary Wildfire affecting Waterton

The U.S. Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team is using heavy helicopter on the Boundary Wildfire when wind permits. Parks Canada / John Stoesser photo

• Waterton’s Boundary Wildfire website and Facebook and Twitter
• Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 updates for the Boundary Wildfire

Parks Canada

September 13, 2018; 12:00

During the overnight period, cooler temperatures and precipitation resulted in no fire growth.

Working on the ground under the direction of the U.S. Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team (IMT), the initial attack teams from Banff, Kootenay and Grasslands national parks will continue extinguishing any hot spots that may be present. The U.S. IMT and Parks Canada are coordinating efforts and are in constant communication.

The forecast is looking favourable with cooler temperatures and precipitation in the form of rain with the potential for snow in the coming days. With this trend towards cooler weather and an increase in precipitation, Fire Managers are confident that there will be no significant fire growth within Waterton Lakes National Park.

As of 10:00 a.m. on Friday September 14th, 2018, the Bertha Lake Trail, and Bertha Lake and Bertha Bay Backcountry Campgrounds will re-open. The Lakeshore Trail beyond Bertha Bay Backcountry Campground will remain closed.

Waterton Lakes National Park open to visitors (Boundary Wildfire updates)

Fire Information Update - Boundary Wildfire - August 31, 2018; 16:25

Parks Canada - Waterton Lakes National Park is open and ready to welcome visitors. Most recreational activities and tourism opportunities are available.

Closed: All of Waterton Lakes National Park (with some exceptions)

From a Parks Canada Information Update issued August 24, 2018

AREA CLOSURE:

As a result of local fires, all of Waterton Lakes National Park including all water bodies is closed to all traffic and travel until further notice, with the exception of:

• Waterton townsite
• Travel on Highways 5, 6, Chief Mountain Highway and the Entrance Road
• Prince of Wales Hill

Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act: maximum penalty $25,000.

Sage Creek Fire updates

Highway 507 between Beaver Mines and Castle Mountain (Aug. 10)

• Alberta Emergency Alert
• MD of Pincher Creek Twitter
• MD of Pincher Creek Facebook
• MD of Pincher Creek website
• Air quality
• 72 hour emergency kit

Sage Creek Fire Update
August 21, 2018; 1100 hrs

As of 1100 hours, Tuesday, August 21, 2018, the Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) closed the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for the Sage Creek Fire.

REMO would like to acknowledge the personnel from the following agencies, whom have been instrumental in the EOC since August 2, 2018, when Sage Creek was first discovered:

• Pincher Creek Emergency Services
• Alberta Ag and Forestry / Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Parks
• Alberta Health Services
• RCMP
• Shell Waterton
• Town of Pincher Creek
• MD of Pincher Creek
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency
• BC Wildfire

REMO would also like to thank their residents and members of the public for their cooperation with the evacuation alert and area closures.

Public safety is the first priority for any event. Residents are always reminded to have a 72 hour Emergency Kit available and to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app onto their mobile devices.

Evacuation Alert issued for parts of MD of Pincher Creek, Castle area

MD of Pincher Creek, August 10, 2018; 1300 hours - While the Sage Creek Forest Fire has NOT crossed the Alberta border, a proactive Evacuation Alert is being issued to residents in the following locations:

• Castle Mountain Resort
• West Castle Valley
• South Castle Valley
• All areas South of Highway 774 from the turnoff to Beaver Mines Lake to Castle Mountain Resort

Barricades will be placed along Highway 774 at the turnoff to Beaver Mines Lake Road. Residents of this area are strongly encouraged to have an evacuation plan in place, and be prepared to evacuate with an hours’ notice. Additional information on the evacuation process can be found on the MD website.

Residents choosing to evacuate at this time are requested to register with the MD by calling 1-855-627-5365, and leave a message, or email info@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca. Please provide your contact name, the number in your party, your contact numbers and your legal land description.

Residents with livestock in the area should prepare to remove your animals. A document on preparing your livestock for evacuation is available on the MD website here.

Alberta Parks has issued an Area Closure for the following locations:

• West Castle Valley to the east and south of Castle Mountain Resort
• South Castle Valley, south of designated camping area number 3

For further information on this Area Closure, visit AB Parks website at www.albertaparks.ca.

Residents are strongly encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app. Instructions can be found at this link. Please listen to the local radio station, Real Country, found at 92.7 fm and continue to visit the MD of Pincher Creek website at www.mdpinchercreek.ab.ca for further updates, including important links related to the Sage Creek Fire, and air quality information.

MD of Pincher Creek Emergency Information Line 1 855 627 5365

Precautionary air quality advisory issued for Alberta

AHS South Zone – Air quality is expected to be variable across Alberta over the coming days due to wildfire smoke.  Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing a precautionary air quality advisory for the entire province because of these fires.  Residents of and visitors to Alberta are advised to be aware of air conditions and take precautions against potential health concerns that can be associated with smoky air conditions.

Precautionary air quality advisory issued for Southwest Alberta

Alberta Health Services, Pincher Creek – Due to wildfires burning in British Columbia, air quality is expected to be variable across Pincher Creek and surrounding areas in Southwest Alberta over the coming days. Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing a precautionary air quality advisory for the area.

Residents of and visitors to this area are advised to be aware of air conditions and take precautions against potential health concerns that can be associated with smoky air conditions.

Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.

If you can taste and/or smell smoke in the air: 

• Monitor your symptoms. 
• Minimize physical activity outdoors. 
• Remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed. 
• If you drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Run your car fan on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air. 

Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma), and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms in smoky air conditions. These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs. 

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 811, to speak to a registered nurse.

Air quality can and will vary with weather conditions and prevailing winds. Because air quality is expected to be variable, this advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated hourly on the Alberta Environment Air Quality website at airquality.alberta.ca.

Fire Advisories issued for Waterton Lakes National Park, Glenwood, Hill Spring

Fire Advisory Notices have been issued for Waterton Lakes National Park, Glennwood, and Hill Spring. This is in addition to notices recently issued for Crowsnest Pass, Cardston County, Longview, Calgary Forest Area, and other areas of the province.  Visit albertafirebans.ca for the most current information.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Fires are only allowed in metal fire pits or boxes provided by Parks Canada. No random fires are allowed in the park.

How to safely enjoy a campfire in Waterton Lakes National Park:

• Keep fires small. Fires must be contained within the designated metal fire boxes provided and be kept to a reasonable size.
• Use firewood provided. Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive insects and disease. Do not collect deadfall or cut branches for burning.
• Fires must be attended at all times.
• Completely extinguish campfires with water. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it is cool to the touch before leaving it.
• Campers are required to purchase a fire permit before using fire pits in road-accessible campgrounds. Campfires are not permitted during quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
• Campfires are not allowed in some backcountry campgrounds. Check the backcountry camping information or ask at the park visitor centre before setting out on your hike.
• Charcoal barbeques are allowed. Please dump cold ashes into a fire pit.

Do not throw cigarettes on the ground. Put them out and throw them in a bin.

Report any sign of wildfire to Parks Canada Dispatch: 780-852-6155 or call 911.

Village of Glenwood, Hill Spring

Due to a change in condition(s) within the County, we are currently implementing a Fire Advisory for all areas of the County. We are requesting that you use extreme caution while using the permit process. Permits are still being issued.

Fire advisories in effect for Crowsnest Pass, Cardston County, Longview, Calgary Forest Area

Source: Alberta Fire Bans

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass 

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass due to increasingly dry conditions. All active fire permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.

What is allowed

• Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
• Charcoal briquettes
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Off-Highway vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.  Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Cardston County

"Due to a change in condition(s) within the County, we are currently implementing a Fire Advisory for all areas of the County. We are requesting that you use extreme caution while using the permit process. Permits are still being issued."

Village of Longview

Conditions are warming up and drying out. Please be careful with open flame and ensure your fires are thoroughly extinguished.

Calgary Forest Area

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Calgary Forest Area due to increasingly dry conditions.  All active fire permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.

What is allowed

• Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
• Charcoal briquettes
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Click here for a complete list of current Fire Bans and Fire Advisories in the province.

Alberta fire bans go mobile

Minister Carlier demonstrates new wildfire app ready for download.

Government of Alberta - The Alberta government has released a mobile fire ban app so people across the province can be aware of the wildfire risk.  The new app, available for Android and Apple devices, will give people mobile access to see where there are fire bans, restrictions and advisories to help plan their camping and recreational experiences.

Increased fire risk in High River area

High River RCMP – High River RCMP and local Fire Departments would like to remind community members that our area has particularly dry conditions currently which result in an increased fire risk.

On May 12th, 2018 a High River RCMP officer was patrolling south of High River and noticed a grass fire burning near Hwy 540 and 40 St E. Cayley Fire Department attended and along with landowners and neighbours, the fire was extinguished safely. The fire was most likely started by a cigarette butt flicked out of a passing car.

MD of Pincher Creek Fire Advisory Notice rescinded

A Fire Advisory Notice issued for the MD of Pincher Creek on April 27, 2018 has now been rescinded.

Fire Advisory Notice issued for MD of Pincher Creek

Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 via albertafirebans.ca - With the loss of snow cover the cured vegetation has quickly become available to burn. The warm, dry weather means any fire start may spread, especially if there is wind.

Added to that, the ground is still soft limiting the ability to use equipment to fight a fire.

Use caution any operations. If a fire starts report it quickly.

We are issuing permits, but that may be limited due to weather conditions.

Remember, all burning requires a fire permit including fire pits.

Issued April 27, 2018.  Visit albertafirebans.ca for the most current information.

MD of Pincher Creek's fire suppression costs surged in 2017

Chris Davis - At their November 28 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek approved a recommendation by Director of Finance Janene Felker that a transfer of $40,000 from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve be approved to cover a 2017 over-expenditure on fire costs. According to Felker, "Due to the extremely dry and hot summer, there were a number of fires that took place within the MD and the account associated with these fire suppression cost is over budget for 2017."

Be fire smart as you deck the halls

Minister Anderson, Fire Chief Dan Lemieux (Strathcona County Emergency Services) and Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank talked about being fire smart with decorations and cooking during the holiday season.

Government of Alberta - Fire-related deaths double in Alberta during the holiday season, so follow these safety tips to keep you and your family safe. 

Fire Advisory issued for MD of Pincher Creek

*Pincher Creek Emergency Services has issued a Fire Advisory for the MD of Pincher Creek: The warm, dry, windy weather has bought us back to a fire hazard. Wind driven fires will grow quickly in dry fuel load we now have. Please use caution in all operations. If you have a fire call 911 quickly.

Click here for current list of fire Alerts in Alberta

*This information was posted on the Alberta Fire Ban Website.

72 Hour emergency kit

Alberta Emergency Management Agency

Is your family prepared?

If you or your family are caught in an emergency or disaster, are you prepared? Do you have a 72-hour kit? An emergency plan?

House fire in Pincher Creek

Chris Davis - Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) responded to a house fire on Canon Street in Pincher Creek, at a location adjacent to the Pincher Creek and facing Highway 6. According to PCES Chief Dave Cox, the call came in at approximately 1:30 am from someone inside the house. The home was evacuated before PCES arrived. There were no injuries, but damage to the home is extensive. The fire is currently under investigation, however no foul pay is currently suspected. As of 9:40 am PCES remains on scene monitoring the situation.

Stier brings Kenow wildfire inquiry request to legislature

Corrected for accuracy

Chris Davis - Livingstone - Macleod MLA Pat Stier (UC) brought the request of an MD of Pincher Creek citizens coalition for an official inquiry into the response to the recent Kenow wildfire to the Alberta legislature yesterday afternoon, November 15. Council for the MD of Pincher Creek has also been discussing the issue since before the recent municipal election.

Beiseker grass fire ignited by carelessly discarded cigarette

RCMP Alberta - RCMP are calling on all smokers to keep their cigarette butts to themselves after yet another grass fire was ignited by a carelessly discarded cigarette.