The Danger Rating for the Wood Buffalo Wildfires has been drastically reduced, and is now down to “Moderate.”
There are 142 personnel and 10 helicopters responding to wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park today. While Fire crews are keeping a close eye on the scene, neither Fort Smith or Fort Fitzgerald are under evacuation orders. The mayor and council are working closely with Parks Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Alberta Wildfire to monitor the situation and are making decisions accordingly. There is currently NO evacuation order at this time.
In the Pine Lake Complex yesterday, the northwestern edge of Fire 7 continued to spread northwest, across Highway 5, between Preble Creek and Salt Mountain. Fire crews worked alongside heavy equipment, helicopter bucketing, and GNWT air tankers laying down retardant lines to limit further northward growth.
The northeast side of the Fire 7 also grew northwest towards the Salt River Day-Use Area. The day-use area and adjacent structures have facility protection equipment installed in the event of further spread to the northwest.
Fire 23 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.
