If you are wondering where the smoke in Central Alberta is coming from, there is a good chance it's from one of five wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House area.
One of those fires is still being classified as out of control. This fire is located approximately 5 km west of the Forestry Trunk Road (highway 734), 19 km northwest of the Ram Falls Provincial Park boundary and 30 km south of Nordegg. This fire is estimated to be 1,400 ha in size.
Due to high temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions, the fire experienced growth to the east and north perimeter yesterday.
Due to intense fire behaviour and safety concerns for our firefighters, crews could not work on this fire yesterday afternoon. Heavy equipment operated through the night while the fire behaviour was low, along the southwest perimeter with the goal of heading southeast.
Firefighters have returned to the line this morning. A night vision helicopter supported night operations by dropping water along containment lines being established. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, airtankers were not effective yesterday evening but will be called in when conditions allow today.
Another fire in the area has been classified as being held. This fire is located approximately 2 km east of the Jasper National Park boundary, and 50 km west of Nordegg. This fire is estimated to be 1,962 ha in size. Very little activity was observed on this wildfire yesterday.
A third fire in the area is also classified as being classified as being held. It is located approximately 2 km east of the Jasper National Park boundary, 50 km west of Nordegg. This fire is estimated to be 1,962 ha in size. Very little activity was observed on this wildfire yesterday.
There are currently 57 firefighters and support staff, two helicopters and 19 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Kiska complex to support suppression efforts.
All of the wildfires in this complex were caused by lightning.