AS OF: 9:00pm – June 27, 2024
Courtesy: Mackenzie County
Courtesy: Alberta Wildfire
Alberta Wildfire personnel, aircraft and equipment operators are continuing to respond to this wildfire, which is currently out of control — meaning the wildfire is burning and is expected to continue growing — although there does not appear to have been any significant growth today. The fire remains approximately 8.5 km southwest of Zama City and is estimated to cover about 3,200 hectares (ha). The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
There are now 218 firefighting personnel on scene, along with nine helicopters (primarily for heli-bucketing) and heavy equipment operators that are actively engaged. Air tankers and other heavy aircraft remain on stand-by — for use as required, and as opportunities arise. We expect some additional firefighters and resources to arrive today.
The incident management team, which coordinates frontline operations and supporting resources, remains established in the Zama area.
Structural protection in key areas remains installed and ready to go, should it be required.
Two dozer groups have consolidated on the west side, while one dozer group is working from the north, and another from the south — all are focused on securing the perimeter areas that are accessible by heavy equipment, which we expect will be achieved by Wednesday morning. The work of fire crews on the SE, east and NE flanks continues to hold — and crews continue their work to more fully secure portions of the perimeter line (flanks) where we were not able to wrap with dozer guard. We estimate that 65 percent of the fire is now contained by dozer guard with further progress expected.
Today, we expect to reach a high of 26 C, with a relative humidity (RH) between 20-30 percent and variable winds — shifting from E-SE at 5-10 km/h and NE-E at 5-10 km/h. Tomorrow (Thursday), we expected to reach a high of 24 C, with an RH of 20-25 and winds from the NE at 15-20 km/h — gusting to 35 km/h.
Courtesy: Alberta Wildfire
HWF030 – Amber River Fire (near Zama)
Alberta Wildfire personnel, aircraft and equipment operators are continuing to respond to this wildfire, which is currently out of control (OC)*. The fire remains approximately 8.5 km southwest of Zama City and now covers at least 3,350 hectares (ha). The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
The evacuation notice (alert) for Zama, issued by MacKenzie County, remains in effect.
There are currently 125 firefighting personnel on scene at this wildfire, along with six helicopters and heavy equipment operators that are actively engaged. Airtankers were used earlier in the day but are now engaged elsewhere (see HWF044 below); they remain on stand-by, if required, but the weather in the Zama area over the past hour has limited the use of air support. The incident management team, which coordinates frontline operations and supporting resources, remains established in the Zama area.
Crews and heavy equipment made good progress today. Work on the north flank guard to Shekelie Road is near completion, and the work of fire crews on the SE, east and NE flanks appears to be holding. Forty percent of the fire is now contained by dozer guard.
Structural protection in key areas is installed and ready to go, should it be required.
Firefighters. air support and heavy equipment operators will continue to conduct day and night (24-7) operations in support of our ongoing efforts to contain and control this wildfire. Night-vision-equipped (NVIS) helicopters will continue to provide the high-tech capability to monitor fire behavior and support operational planning.
The temperature in the Zama area overnight is expected to reach a low of 13 C, with relative humidity (RH) between 65-70 percent and winds from the N-NE at 15 km/h — gusting to 30 km/h. Monday, the high is expected to reach 22 C, with an RH of 25-30 percent and winds from the north at 20-25 km/h — gusting up to 40 km/h.
AS OF: 10:30am – June 22, 2024
Courtesy: Alberta Wildfire
Alberta Wildfire personnel, aircraft and equipment operators are responding to this wildfire, which is currently out of control (OC), burning approximately 15 km south-west of Zama City. The area burned covers at least 700 hectares (ha) at this time. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
Firefighters (32), five helicopters and heavy equipment operators are currently engaged and working to contain and control this wildfire. Equipment operators and approximately 24 firefighters worked throughout the night — supported by three night-vision equipped helicopters, which use their high-tech capabilities to monitor fire behavior and support operational planning. Air tankers are on stand-by and being used, as required, during daylight hours.
Courtesy: Mackenzie County
AS OF: 10:30am – June 21, 2024
Courtesy: Alberta Wildfire
Alberta Wildfire personnel, aircraft and equipment operators are responding to a new wildfire, which is currently out of control (OC), burning approximately 15 km south-west of Zama City. The area burned covers at least 150 hectares (ha) at this time. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
Firefighters, three helicopters and heavy equipment operators are currently engaged and working to contain and control this wildfire. Equipment operators and some firefighters worked throughout the night and additional fire crews are being assembled to soon join fire crews and other personnel currently on scene. Air tankers are on stand-by for use, as required, throughout the day.
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Courtesy Mackenzie County
The Alert was put forward by Mackenzie County to be prepared to evacuate on 2-hours notice.
The wildfire, south-west of the Hamlet, is continuing to grow at a significant pace.
The 150-hectare blaze is advancing towards the Chateh Road and Zama Access Road.
More information is on Mackenzie County’s Facebook Page and our websites.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
