Kettle River Complex Wildfire Status
The CRDAC was in contact with Fire Centre overnight. Highway 63 is reopened. CRDAC is meeting with AB Forestry and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) shortly to plan out logistics for a potential evacuation. Nothing HAS changed, nor is there a greater threat to the community, we just want to get a plan in place. The RMWB has also offered to pay for busses. The Fire Inspector is headed down to Conklin and Janvier to assess highway 881 to potential reopening.
MEG Energy has provided an update. The fire is near their access road but it is still open. MEG can also exit through Cenovus. LWF152/155 are the most concerning fires and it has not moved closer to the MEG Site. LWF152/155 is 4.0 km north of CPF at 406 ha. The fires are active along its perimeter as per map and most recent fire breaks. There are no active wildfires along the eastern perimeter. Fire break is 100 metres north of Pads C/D, B, E/F has been complete. Currently opening a fire break along the north east perimeter. MEG Energy is providing support resources at location with ARFF, water tanker, and rescue personnel.
LWF164
LWF-164 is at 935 ha sitting at 10.8 km away from Conklin along highway 881. This fire has crossed the highway but did not cross the MEG Access Road. This fire is active on the South/East side of the main Access Road. AFP and Fort McMurray Firefighters resources at this location throughout the day. There will be a dozer and 4-5 crews trying to prevent the fire from crossing the Access Road.
RMWB is working to set up and information centre at the multiplex starting this afternoon. They will confirm with the CRDAC that it is set up and it will be staffed for questions and concerns.
Structural Protection Unit
This work has been completed in Janvier. Mayor Bowman contacted Minister Loewen to have them released to work (sprinklers etc.) in Conklin. CRDAC spoke to Minister Loewen’s Chief of Staff and they are aiming to have them in Conklin this afternoon.
Weather
The winds are currently from the SSE and will shift to SW by 5pm today. That keeps the fire and smoke away from Conklin from 164, 152 and 155. There is rain forecast at 6pm today. There is heavy rain forecast for Thursday and Friday.
Highway 881 is still closed at this time. Once we have more information we will get it out as soon as possible.
You can also visit Alberta Emergency Alert for the latest information and 511 Alberta for the latest information on road closures.