More firefighters and air support have been sent to fight a wildfire that has been sweeping northwest Alberta for several days.
A fire broke out near Zama City, a village about 700 miles northwest of Edmonton, on June 1 due to lightning, according to Victoria Ostendorf, a forest fire intelligence officer. the Alberta Wildfire forest area.
On Saturday, the Alberta Wildfire classified the fire as out of control and had grown to 1,800 acres. A team of 46 firefighters and five helicopters were deployed to the area.
As of 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the forest fire has grown to 3,000 acres and there are now 60 firefighters and six helicopters trying to extinguish the flames, Alberta Wildfire said in an update.
Firefighters, with the help of air support, have been able to begin establishing control lines on the south and east sides of the fire, the update says.
46 firefighters and five helicopters were deployed in the area on Saturday. On Sunday, there were 60 firefighters and six helicopters, according to the Alberta Wildfire. (Submitted by Victoria Ostendorf / Alberta Wildfire)
The wildfire, which burns about 20 kilometers northwest of Zama City, Alta., Poses no threat to the community, he added.
No emergency alerts are in effect Sunday morning, according to the Alberta Emergency Alert Index.
There are five other wildfires burning with the Alberta Wildfire Forest Area, of which Zama City, Alta is a part. Two are under arrest, the other three are under control.
As early as Sunday morning, firefighters and air support were able to begin establishing fire control lines, but it is still considered out of control. (Submitted by Victoria Ostendorf / Alberta Wildfire)
The High Level forest area is currently on fire due to warm temperatures and little rainfall.
According to the warning, existing fire permits are still valid, but may be suspended or canceled if weather conditions continue. New permits are being reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis, Alberta Wildfire says.
Any burning, except bonfires, without a valid permit is prohibited according to the notice.