Charges likely against male who had to be rescued from Fox Creek evacuation area: police

Mounties are seeking charges against a male who became stranded in an evacuation zone near Fox Creek on Friday and had to be rescued by helicopter.

Around 2:45 p.m. RCMP were notified that a male was stranded northwest of Fox Creek after using a gravel road to go around a checkpoint.

The male's truck got stuck, and he became surrounded by an active fire in the area.

Because of the fire, it was deemed unsafe for first responders to rescue him.

A forestry helicopter was sent to the area, and airlifted the male to safety.

"Incidents like these only serve to put unnecessary strain on all first responders while threatening the safety of our communities.” said Staff Sgt District Advisory NCO Neal Fraser in a news release sent out on Sunday.

Police are reminding the public to avoid travelling in evacuation areas whenever possible, and ensure you have a safe route when travelling in areas impacted by wildfires.

FOX CREEK EVACUATION CONTINUES

Nearly 2,000 Fox Creek residents have now been evacuated for more than two weeks, but the mayor is hopeful rain in the forecast will make a difference in the fire fight.

"The forecast is quite a bit of rain tomorrow so of course that will be great relief I would imagine," Sheila Gilmour told CTV News Edmonton on Sunday.

She says the lengthy evacuation and smoke in the area is starting to weigh on evacuees, many of whom have been staying in Whitecourt.

"Every day is a little different. Right now the smoke has been quite bad in the area that we’ve been in so of course it’s starting to affect everyone."

So far no structures have been lost in Fox Creek, but Gilmour says there has been some damage.

"It did go through one of our campgrounds, and we lost a bridge that is on the campground location."

She's thanking firefighters, who are now being assisted by members of the Canadian Armed Forces, for their dedication in fighting the fire, which is currently burning about a kilometre from structures in the town.

"They're tired, from what I understand, but they’re doing a phenomenal job of protecting our community and fighting the fire."

"My priority is to make sure people know they need to stay away and let them do their jobs. But I’m very hopeful that after this rain we’re supposed to get that we'll get good news and we’ll be allowed to go home."

During the provincial wildfire update on Sunday, Christie Tucker of Alberta Wildfire provided the latest details on Eagles Complex, the two fires burning near Fox Creek.

One fire is estimated at 72,599 hectares in size for one and the other at 54,274 hectares both fires are still classified as out-of-control.

"The dozer guard is almost complete on the northwest perimeter I understand, and they are going to be sourcing additional heavy equipment to help out on that fire," Tucker said.

HIGHWAY 43 REOPENS

On Sunday the north and southbound lanes of Highway 43 from Fox Creek to Little Smoky reopened.

The highway was closed on Thursday because of the wildfires.

An 80 km/h speed limit is in place between Valleyview and Fox Creek.

Police are reminding drivers that fire crews are working in the area, and urge drivers to exercise caution as smoke and poor visibility is expected in the area.

Drivers should move over and slow down to 60 k/h when passing emergency crews.

For the latest on highway conditions and closures, visit 511 Alberta. 

ALBERTA WILDFIRE NUMBERS AND AIR QUALITY

As of 5:50 p.m. on Sunday there were 85 wildfires burning in Alberta, 23 of them were classified as out of control.

Many regions in Alberta are experiencing poor air quality as a result of the fires, but Tucker said it's benefiting firefighters.

"While we realize the smoke in the air has led to poor air quality for many Albertans, it has helped lessen fire behaviour, and we haven’t seen the kind of wildfire activity we would have expected under the forecasted conditions this weekend," Tucker said, adding only five new fires started between Friday and Sunday morning. 

With files from Miriam Valdes-Carletti and Galen McDougall