Update: Residents reminded to avoid fire-zone near Buffalo Lake.
On Sunday morning, Lac La Biche County officials said fire crews were back at the fire area to assess the ongoing situation, check for flare-ups and deploy any needed resources.
"Please continue to avoid the area as there is smoke, equipment and emergency personnel in the area," states the update.
LAC LA BICHE - What a difference a day makes. Just 24 hours before Lac La Biche County's Protective Services Manager John Kokotilo was commending the hard work and efforts of municipal, provincial and Metis settlement crews for knocking down a fast-moving wildfire, the same blaze was threatening family homes, wildlife, livestock and infrastructure — stretching all of those hard working crews to the limit.
Sparked on Thursday afternoon in the south-western corner of Lac La Biche County's municipal boundaries, the wildfire quickly picked up momentum, fuelled by warm temperatures, dry grass and brush and a strong wind blowing it east towards several rural farm and acreage properties. Late on Friday, Kokotilo recalled the past day's activities.
"Upon our arrival, it was already at three hectares," said Kokotilo, who is also Lac La Biche County's Regional Fire Chief, explaining that in the hours that followed — as the flames charred what would eventually be 240 hectares of property — fire crews and support were kept very busy.
All five Lac La Biche County Fire-Rescue stations were called to the fire, with manpower and equipment being deployed in shifts that went through the night and into Friday. Lac La Biche County Community Peace Officers also helped to maintain a travel perimeter on roadways around the fire zone and provided support at the on-location command centre. Alongside the municipal crews was a small army of valuable support, said the fire chief.
"We also had invaluable assistance from Caslan Fire Department from Athabasca County, Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement Fire Department, and Agriculture and Forestry wildfire response teams and helicopters," said Kokotilo, appreciative of the mutual aid. "Many, many thanks to these agencies. Approximately 45 emergency personnel attended this incident."
Backs to the wall
The fire triggered a region-wide emergency alert and had municipal peace officers contacting area residents with homes in the path of the flames to let them know that evacuation orders could be coming. While official evacuation orders were not issued, Kokotilo said several residences saw fire crews forced to stand with their backs to homes and fire nozzles pointed at the flames just feet away.
Although some structures were damaged by the fast-moving flames, the considerable actions of fire crews reduced what could have been a far worse outcome, said Kokotilo.
"There are currently are no reports of injuries to the public, firefighters, or any livestock," said the regional fire chief prior to an official debrief of the incident. "There were reports of a couple of outbuildings and a trailer being consumed by the fire. Crews managed to protect three residences, including farm machinery that were in the path of the fire. Three more residences were set up with sprinklers as a precaution."
Weather helps firefighters
Along with the work of the firefighters, Mother Nature also offered a helping hand on Friday. Cooler temperatures, even some rain and reduced wind gusts helped firefighters get control of the flames. Kokotilo said late Friday afternoon that the fire status had changed from Out of Control to Being Held, with 90 per cent containment.
Going into the weekend, the regional fire chief says the monitoring of the area will continue.
"It is our intention to continue with ground support for the next few days in extinguishing hot spots and any flare ups that may occur," he said.
Chris Clark, the manager of the municipality's enforcement services said since securing the initial area on Thursday afternoon, his community peace officers continued to work until Saturday, patrolling the area, helping to bring in water and equipment, as well as speaking to residents and checking road blocks..
The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, but an investigation into what sparked the wildfire has begun.
