The Wood Buffalo National Park has released their wildfire update for July 18th.
There are 87 personnel and 7 helicopters responding to wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park today. To date, a total of 367,979 hectares have burned.
Yesterday fire crews continued containment efforts in the excursion area of the Davidson Complex, which includes Fires 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14. It is anticipated that the dozer guard around the excursion will be complete in the next couple days. Crews conducted hand ignition to tie the fire directly into the dozer line. Today, three crews, two helicopters, two dozers and other heavy equipment working on the fire.
In the Pine Lake complex, the most significant fire spread occurred in the north-west portion of fire through and old burn. Fire personnel will assess this area and look for opportunities to draw the fire into natural features to limit northerly growth towards Highway 5. Despite active fire behaviour yesterday on the east flank, the fire had minimal spread north.
The fire is approximately 20 km from Highway 5 Values at risk remain intact, with fire personnel continuing to maintain structural protection equipment at Pine Lake.
The Nyarling fire is 12 kilometres from Highway 5 and is currently situated in a previously burned area. Crews will continue to assess and monitor the fire for opportunities to limit the fire’s spread south toward the highway. Road closures and delays are expected.
