FROG LAKE – The two active fires on May 2 that prompted the evacuation of some residents in Frog Lake First Nation were brought under control at around 5:30 p.m. on May 3.
The fires occurred on Highway 897 at Township Road 562, and the second one at Horse Dance Road and Hiy Hiy Road. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mathew Howell told Lakeland This Week the fires did not reach the townsite, and a reception area was set up in Bonnyville for evacuees.
Frog Lake Fire Chief Harvey Dufresne thanked Band Manager William Quinney for coordinating evacuation efforts and ensuring accommodations were made for affected residents, as well as Frog Lake's emergency crew, including Brittney Bugler, who helped with dispatch, head of security Cory Cross, and Steven Faithful, who helped coordinate on-the-ground efforts.
Dufresne said regional collaboration was also crucial for getting the fires under control, thanking surrounding communities who responded, including fire and police services from Bonnyville, Elk Point, Lac La Biche, Kehewin, and Onion Lake. Some equipment dispatched by responders included aerial support through a helicopter.
Other emergency services, including medical units and utility companies like ATCO Electric and Apex Utilities, who also played an important part in ensuring the safety of the affected areas, before and after containment of the fires.
"Without them, [the fires] just wouldn't have been under control," said Dufresne.
