Work continues in the Wood Buffalo Complex, as the fires in the area have now been measured at 504,752 hectares.
The number of active personnel working in the area has been decreasing, with the latest update reporting only 67 ground workers, as well as three helicopters and 31 firefighters. The status of the area remains listed as “Being Held,” and overall risk to nearby communities has greatly decreased.
Recent precipitation in the area provided some support, but not enough to greatly change the situation. Warm weather and high winds are expected to return later in the week, and workers are preparing for an increase in fire activity. Crews are prioritizing their work on defending the perimeter of the complex near Fort Fitzgerald.
Several area and road closures remain in place for the time being for the safety of the public and crews. The Salt Plains and Parsons Lake Road are closed due to debris, large amounts of danger trees, active fires, and heavy equipment. Hay Camp Road is also closed due to work being actively performed in that area, as well as much more active fires. Many of the trees near the road also have burned out root systems, which means they could fall at any time without warning.
Work on the reclamation of dozer guards in Wood Buffalo National Park and in Alberta has now been completed. Reclamation in the Northwest Territories is still underway. Reclamation will resume in the winter on guards in wet areas once the ground is frozen and heavy equipment can operate there. Additional reclamation will occur in the spring.
