Parks Canada has released their latest update on the Wood Buffalo National Park wildfires.
There are 58 fire personnel and five helicopters responding to the Pine Lake Complex today.
Fire 2 was last mapped at 18,911 hectares. Minimal fire activity has been observed over the past few days. This fire remains to be 8 km from Pine Lake and 68 km from Fort Smith. It poses no threat to the community at this time.
Fire 7 is currently estimated at 42,773 hectares. It is 1 km northwest of Pine Lake, approximately 32 km from Fort Smith, and approximately 33 km from Fort Fitzgerald. It poses no threat to communities at this time.
Yesterday, crews worked to extinguish hot spot spots along the northern perimeter. Work will continue today while it remains safe for fire crews to be on-the-ground.
As a result of significant precipitation that has been received over the last 48 hours, the incident is focusing their efforts on more direct suppression efforts with fire crews. The rain has decreased fire behaviour and has made it safer for crews to access the north end of Fire 7. Direct suppression will include bucketing, laying hose, and extinguishing hot spots around the perimeter. When possible, a thermal scan will be scheduled to help locate hot spots along the fire’s perimeter. For the safety of all personnel, these tactics may change should fire behaviour increase.
No cabins or other structures have been impacted by Fire 7. Fire 15 continues to be held and is not expected to grow outside of its current boundaries.
Backcountry camping is closed until further notice due to extreme fire conditions in Wood Buffalo National Park.
An area closure is in place for Pine Lake area, which extends from the Salt River Day Use Area to Peace Point. It includes Parsons Lake Road, from the Salt Plains Access Road junction to Pine Lake Road. The Salt Plains Day Use Area remains OPEN at this time but may be subject to change on short notice.
