There are 134 personnel and 10 helicopters responding to wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park today.
Yesterday in the Pine Lake Complex significant growth occurred on the northwest and northeast areas of Fire 7 due to high, gusting winds from the southeast. The fire spread northwest, across Highway 5, near kilometre markers 220-225 (between Preble Creek and Salt Mountain). This resulted in highway closures for the safety of the public due to fire behaviour and thick smoke.
Highway delays and/or closures are expected to occur again today due to similar forecasted weather conditions as yesterday, with gusting winds from the southeast. Fire 7 also grew on the southeast side of Pine Lake Road, towards the Salt River Day Use Area. This day-use area does have facility protection in the event of further spread to the northwest.
Heavy equipment and fire crews are supporting this operation from the ground. There is no immediate risk to the Town of Fort Smith or surrounding areas from this wildfire at this time.
The Nyarling Fire continues to be monitored by fire personnel who have set up structural protection equipment on nearby values and infrastructure. This fire remains approximately 9 km from Highway 5.
