For several days firefighters have been conducting a firing operation to protect the town of High Level, Alberta. The Chuckegg Creek Fire has primarily spread to the northwest but the east flank of the blaze has moved closer to the community of 3,159 residents.
The burning operation is southwest of the town, using Highways 58 and 35 as anchors.
(To see all of the articles on Wildfire Today about the Chuckegg Creek Fire, including the most recent, click here.)
Alberta Wildfire personnel in conjunction with municipal firefighting resources and air support from helicopters and air tankers continue to focus containment efforts around the fire perimeter south of High Level. With current weather conditions firefighters have been effective due to lighter winds out of the northeast. This aids crews protecting power line poles west and south of the Town. The main direction of spread remains away from town. That is expected to change Sunday when the winds will be out of the south, southwest, and northwest accompanied by warmer temperatures, 80F (27C). .
Heavy equipment has been working on the northeast side of the fire and continues to make progress consolidating a line around the fire perimeter. They have built approximately eight kilometers of containment line.
The High Level Fire Department and other municipal firefighters have completed structure protection on the southwest and northwest sides of the community. In addition, structural protection is complete on Mackenzie County homes southeast of High Level, Tolko and Norbord.
My daughter Asia Dolling and her husband Joe and two children live in High Level. I am so moved by the devotion of these firemen. I cannot express how I feel knowing that the government and firefighters are doing everything in their power to help in the process of this evacuation. I am so concerned for this community. My hopes and prayers are not only for my Dolling family, but for everyone. Please email me with any current information or reports.