Residents of a community in central Alberta are on edge, as a wildfire continues to burn out of control nearby – although the hamlet isn’t considered at risk.
Hundreds of wildfires have been reported around Alberta since April 1 – on Thursday, May 14, in the late afternoon, there were three out-of-control fires burning in the province.
Of those, the largest was burning just west of the hamlet of Lodgepole in Brazeau County, about 160 kilometres southwest of Edmonton – and crews were working hard to gain the upper hand.
“We are about 100 feet in and securing, no hot and burning spots, and because as you get a wind pick up you might have raging flames, but those deep spots can pick up pretty quick,” Firefighter Natalie Romain said Thursday.
In addition, crews were using heavy equipment to create fire guards to keep the fire from spreading, all while helicopters tackled the blaze from above with water and fire retardant.
At last word, the fire had burned about 750 hectares or 7.5 square kilometres – the equivalent of about 920 Canadian football fields.
Lodgepole is about 8.5 kilometres away from the fire, and is the closest community to the flames – it has some residents worried.
“I looked out the front of the window of the hotel and I saw the smoke and my heart just sunk,” Lodgepole resident Janet Hartt said. “It’s like ‘Oh no, not again’.”
The situation is familiar – two years ago, residents were evacuated due to a nearby fire.
Since April 1, 382 wildfires have been reported in Alberta – compared to 196 in 2014.
It’s believed the early spring and windy, dry conditions contributed to the blaze.
Taking measures to prevent fires
Meanwhile, officials in some parts of the province are taking measures to keep fires from starting.
In Edmonton, City officials restricted open burning as of Wednesday – saying the fire danger rating had changed to ‘extreme’, a rating that takes into account temperature, wind conditions, humidity and moisture levels.
As a result, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services issued an open burning restriction, banning open burning or fireworks in Edmonton. However, backyard fire pits and recreational cook stoves in parks could still be used with caution – and the fire pits need to meet bylaw requirements. The restriction will stay in place until further notice.
As of 2 p.m. Thursday, Strathcona County Emergency Services said a fire advisory was in effect for the entire county – due to the dry conditions, high winds and warm temperatures.
The advisory means open burning for fires requiring permits was temporarily suspended – although fires in fire pits that meet regulations were still allowed.
With files from Nicole Weisberg
