UPDATE: **JUNE 6 at 15:00 Hours
For Immediate Release – June 6, 2023, at 15:00 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
Seal Lake Road Re-Opened
Fire Restrictions Lifted
Effective immediately, Seal Lake Road (TWP 822 South Harmon Valley Road) at the intersection with RR 190 has been opened for traffic.
Please note that other roadblocks or closures may be added later to facilitate firefighting operations and we will provide updates if these do occur.
Fire restrictions within the non-forest protection area of Northern Sunrise County have been lifted. All open-air burning outside of a fire pit or burn barrel requires a fire permit. Fire permits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a fire guardian. Fire permits are available at the Northern Sunrise County Administration office.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
UPDATE: **June 3 at 13:00 Hours
For Immediate Release – June 3, 2023, at 13:00 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
Seal Lake Road Closure
Wildfire SWF-068 is becoming increasingly active to the north and northwest. As wildland firefighters work to reinforce containment and flare ups, there is a great deal of aircraft activity on Seal Lake Road. With increased air operations and suppression efforts ongoing, the decision has been made to close Seal Lake Road (TWP 822 South Harmon Valley Road) at the intersection with RR 190 for safety reasons. At this time, the fire is not threatening homes or communities.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
UPDATE: **May 20 at 12:30 Hours
For Immediate Release – May 20, 2023, at 12:30 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire Update
Due to the heavy smoke, aircraft have not been able to fly over wildfires SWF068 (Harmon Valley/Reno area) and PWF038 (CNRL) the past few days, so information is a bit more limited on fire spread and we have not posted as many updates.
The County’s Protective Services staff have been conducting assessments throughout wildfire SWF068 (Harmon Valley/Reno area) using a drone that has a thermal camera on it, is able to fly lower, and is able to see through the smoke. The wildfire is still 38 kilometres from the hamlet of Cadotte Lake and 39 kilometres from the hamlet of Little Buffalo.
A cat guard continues to be built around the south side of TWP 802 to protect RR 192 and homes in that area. In addition, Wildland firefighters are patrolling the area and putting out hot spots as needed. They also provided sprinkler protection on a home in the early hours of the morning located at TWP 822 and RR 185.
Peace River Forest Area (PRFA) is preparing for the arrival of 100 Canadian Armed Forces personnel and a 55-person incident team. These resources were deployed to PRFA from Alberta Wildfire to assist with SWF068. PRFA anticipates that these teams will be in place over the weekend.
Wildfire PWF038 (CNRL area) continues to remain relatively stable. Wildland firefighters are patrolling the area and putting out hotspots to maintain the containment lines.
Our Protective Services staff continue to be out in the areas that have been affected by the fires in the Harmon Valley/Reno area and they keep in contact with our residents. Our firefighting crews were out late last night wetting down areas around homes at RR 195 and TWP 802 and then responded to a flare up at RR 191 and TWP 804. We also had an officer patrolling the fire areas until 03:00Hours. We have crews and sprinkler trailers on standby, should they be required.
For information on fires within the Peace River Forest Protection Area (which is the area we are in) sign up for their email updates at Peace River Area Update (alberta.ca). Remember, if you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
UPDATE: **May 17 at 18:00 Hours
For Immediate Release – May 17, 2023, at 18:00Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire Update
Wildfire SWF068 has flared up 15.6km east of RR 190 on the South Harmon Valley Road (TWP 820). The fire is still east of the barricades that were previously placed at Walrus Road to stop traffic going east. Forestry is investigating the status of the fire and County firefighters are ready to respond as needed.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
UPDATE: **May 13 at 10:15 Hours
For Immediate Release – May 13, 2023, at 10:15 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
Partial Road Closure
Overnight the fire (SWF-068) located in the Forest Protection Area of Harmon Valley/Reno grew in size and crossed South Harmon Valley Road Extension (TWP 822). At this time, the fire is not encroaching homes or communities.
For safety, the east bound lane of the South Harmon Valley Road Extension (TWP 822) is closed approximately 13.2 km east of the Harmon Valley Fire Hall (RR 192), at the Walrus Road.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
UPDATE: **May 12 at 16:45 Hours
For Immediate Release – May 12, 2023, at 16:45 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Protective Services is asking all residents in the County to work together and help to Fire Smart your properties.
Some tasks you can do to protect your homes are:
- Keep grass green around structures by watering frequently. If you have sprinklers, be ready to set up in the yard if needed.
- If you have a dugout and a pump, have it set up ready to use by you or the fire department to hit hot spots or supply sprinkler systems.
- Move anything flammable that is next to your home at least 10 feet away or cover it with a tarp. Example: wood piles, wood dog houses, tires etc.
- Keep clutter off decks.
- Put flammables like gas cans in sheds.
- Trim pine tree branches so they are 5 feet off the ground. Trees that are close to homes frequently catch fire and spread to the home.
- If you need to move animals, have that equipment ready. If you cannot move animals, let the fire department know.
- If you have access to a tiller, till unseeded or hay fields all the around the property and along tree lines about 50 feet in.
- Make sure gutters are free of leaves and pine needles.
- Clear tall grass from around propane tanks and structures.
- Using tarps to cover items. It has proven to stop flying embers from igniting them, even if it is a plastic tarp.
- Pile brush in a dirt area away from structures.
- Have a bag packed with important items if you must evacuate. Use the 72 hour checklist.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Dave LeBlanc
Fire Chief/Director of Protective Services
Northern Sunrise County
780.618.7666
dleblanc@northernsunrise.net
UPDATE: ** May 12 at 16:15 Hours
The fire located in the Forest Protection Area of Harmon Valley/Reno has flared up on the northwest side. It is currently heading north and there is no threat to communities or residences at this time.
Peace River Wildfire Management Branch has resources on site to manage the flare up.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154 cmillar@northernsunrise.net
UPDATE **May 12 at 11:00 Hours
For Immediate Release – May 12, 2023, at 11:00 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
Several municipal firefighting resources were deployed by the province and have been asked to stage in the Town of Peace River to assist with any developing or new wildfires impacting municipalities in the area.
These resources are from municipalities in Southern Alberta that are not currently threatened by any fire activity.
Currently, there is no increased activity of the fires or additional threat within the County.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Dave LeBlanc
Fire Chief/Director of Protective Services
Northern Sunrise County
780.618.7666
dleblanc@northernsunrise.net
UPDATE **May 11 at 19:15 Hours
Power has been restored to the homes in Harmon Valley.
UPDATE: ** May 11 at 15:45 hours
From the PEACE RIVER WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH
For information regarding wildfires in the province you can visit https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.aspx
UPDATE: ** May 11 at 13:15 Hours
Updated ATCO Alberta Wildfires: Re-Entry Information click here
UPDATE: **May 10 at 09:30 Hours
For Immediate Release – May 10, 2023 at 09:30 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
As of 4:30 p.m. on May 9, 2023, an update was provided by the Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services branch in Peace River.
There has been no new fire growth for (PWF038 located by CNRL) and (SWF068 located in the Harmon Valley area). Crews continue to work the sites putting out hot spots and building cat guards.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property in the Forest Protection Area, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154cmillar@northernsunrise.net
UPDATE **May 9 at 13:30 hours
ATCO Alberta Wildfires: Re-Entry Information click here
UPDATE **May 9 at 8:15 hours
For Immediate Release – May 9, 2023, at 8:15 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
There has been minimal fire activity on either fire (PWF038 located by CNRL) and (SWF068 located in the Harmon Valley area).
Alberta Forestry will be setting up a camp with workers and equipment in the County as they have taken over the management of both fires. Alberta Forestry crews will be cutting a dozer guard, provide bucketing where needed and walking sites to put out hot spots.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Dave LeBlanc
Fire Chief/Director of Protective Services
Northern Sunrise County
780.618.7666
dleblanc@northernsunrise.net
UPDATE **May 8 at 15:30 hours
For Immediate Release – May 8, 2023, at 15:30 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
Conditions of the fire in Harmon Valley have improved, however, the fire is still not considered contained.
If you see visible flames that may threaten property, please report it to 310-FIRE.
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For further information, please contact:
Dave LeBlanc
Fire Chief/Director of Protective Services
Northern Sunrise County
780.618.7666
dleblanc@northernsunrise.net
For Immediate Release – May 7, 2023, at 18:00 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
There are widespread power outages in the County. ATCO crews are assessing the damages and assigning priorities. ATCO would like to caution residents to stay clear of any downed power lines, and/or ATCO crews working in the area. They will work to restore power as soon as possible.
For updated information on the power outages please refer to https://poweroutage.atco.com/map or download the ATCO app “My ATCO Electricity” or call 1-800-668-5506.
The State of Local Emergency continues at Northern Sunrise County.
Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
cmillar@northernsunrise.net
UPDATE **May 7 at 13:00 hours
For Immediate Release – May 7, 2023, at 13:00 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
The mandatory evacuation notice has been lifted in Northern Sunrise County. Residents are now allowed to return to their homes. Please be prepared for the fact that you may not have power at your home. Although the evacuation notice has been lifted, if the situation changes, you may be asked to evacuate again with little notice.
The road closures are also being removed, except for a section of RR 190 that has some downed power lines.
The Reception Centre at the County Administration office will remain open today until 21:00 hours. The Emergency Coordination Center will continue to operate as required, also at the Administration office.
The State of Local Emergency continues at Northern Sunrise County.
Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
Revision below – confirming one residence (home) was lost to the fire
UPDATE **May 7 at 12:00 hours
For Immediate Release – May 7, 2023, at 12:00 Hours
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
Update on the fires in Northern Sunrise County:
- Harmon Valley/Reno – Firefighters are continuing to provide structural protection and hit hot spots. Forestry is expected to assist with heavy equipment as well as helicopter(s). Forestry and the on-scene Incident Commander will determine if evacuated residents may visit their homes to attend to any matters requiring attention. If residents are allowed to visit their homes, information will be shared on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
- CNRL fire – Hwy 986 is open at this time, however, it could close depending on the smoke/fire situation. No other reports on the fire itself.
- The Reception Centre at the County Administration office will remain open today until 21:00 hours. The Emergency Coordination Center will continue to operate as required, also at the Administration office.
The State of Local Emergency continues at Northern Sunrise County. County firefighters and mutual aid firefighters continue to protect properties within the County. Sadly, one residence (home) was lost to the fire last night and our hearts go out to the family.
Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
UPDATE **May 7 at 09:50 hours
The evacuation order is still in place. Roads that were closed yesterday are still closed. Please refrain from returning to your homes until authorized to do so.
UPDATE **May 6 at 22:00 hours
We have no further updates since our last one at 13:45 hours. Crews will continue to work overnight.
The previous evacuations remain in place.
As the situation can change rapidly, please be prepared in case you will need to evacuate. Gather pets, important documents, medication and enough food, water and supplies for three days. Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
UPDATE **May 6 at 21:00 hours
The reception center at the County administration office will be closing at 22:00 hours and will reopen at 08:00 hours on May 7, 2023. For emergencies, please call 780-625-6154.
UPDATE **May 6 at 20:00
For Immediate Release – May 6, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
On behalf of the Council of Northern Sunrise County, I want to take this opportunity to thank the men and women who have been valiantly fighting the wildfires in the County for the past 24 hours.
They have worked many hours to protect the homes of the residents of the County. Thanks to their efforts so far, no homes have been lost.
We also want to thank the Public Works and Utilities staff who have provided the necessary supports to keep everyone safe.
Much thanks to the staff who manned the Emergency Coordination Center throughout the past 24 hours, and also ensured that everyone got fed with the incredible help of Gord Drummond from Tim Hortons.
Last but not least, we want to thank our emergency partners, including the RCMP, AEF, AEMA, ATCO, East Peace Gas Coop and many local contractors.
The State of Local Emergency continues at Northern Sunrise County. Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
As a Council, we are proud to call Northern Sunrise County our home. We hope that everyone stays safe throughout this ongoing emergency.
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For further information, please contact:
Corinna Williams
Reeve, Northern Sunrise County
780.219.9227
UPDATE **May 6 at 16:20
*Please note change in phone number
County phone lines are now operational. All evacuated residents must register at the County reception center at the County’s Administration office at 135 Sunrise Road or call 780-624-0013.
UPDATE **May 6 at 14:30
The Village of Nampa is not under any evacuation notice. Only those residents in the identified areas are required to evacuate at this time. If this changes, notices will be posted immediately.
UPDATE **May 6 at 13:45
Mandatory evacuation for all residents east of Range Road 200 between Twp 810 and Twp 830. All evacuated residents must register at the County reception center at the County’s Administration office at 135 Sunrise Road or call 780-625-6154 to register.
UPDATE **May 6 at 13:00
Residents along Range Road 190 must evacuate their homes immediately. All evacuated residents must register at the County reception center at the County’s Administration office at 135 Sunrise Road or call 780-625-6154 to register.
UPDATE **May 6 at 10:50
Calls are coming into 911 regarding the smoke by the CNRL complex. CNRL is responding to the fire. No further updates are available at this time.
UPDATE **May 6 at 08:56
For Immediate Release – May 6, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Northern Sunrise County Wildfire
The State of Local Emergency continues at Northern Sunrise County. County firefighters and mutual aid firefighters continue to protect properties within the County. Some outbuildings have been lost but no residences at this time.
There is no mandatory evacuation notice. Should you choose to voluntarily leave your home, please contact Northern Sunrise County at 780-625-6154 or 780-618-6726. We want to be sure that all of our residents, who may be affected, are safe in the event that a mandatory evacuation occurs.
As the situation can change rapidly, please be prepared in case you will need to evacuate. Gather pets, important documents, and medication and enough food, water and supplies for three days.
Please follow updates on social media, the County website and Voyent Alert.
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For further information, please contact:
Cindy Millar
DEM/CAO, Northern Sunrise County
780.625.6154
UPDATE **May 5 at 00:10
If you have chosen to evacuate your residence, please contact Northern Sunrise County at 780-625-6154
or 780-618-6726.
We want to be sure that all of our residents, who may be affected, are safe in the event that a mandatory evacuation occurs.
UPDATE ** May 5 at 23:00
Northern Sunrise County is aware of several fires in the North West Alberta Region.
The Protective Services Department is monitoring the situation and is in constant communications with Alberta Wildfire.
ROADS ARE CLOSED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
RR 190
TWP 820 – 812
All of RR 185
TWP 814 East of RR 192
TWP 812 East of RR 192
TWP 810 East of RR 192
Be Prepared
Everyone residing North of TWP 810 up to North Harmon Valley Road (TWP 830) and East of RR 195 must prepare for a possible evacuation. Gather pets, important documents, and medication and enough food, water and supplies for three days. This alert will be updated if an evacuation is required.
Stay tuned to our social media pages for updates.