Fire Hazard in the Lakeland Extreme

Chief Brian McEvoy with the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) is warning the public to be very careful in regards to fires. The Chief has issued a fire restriction for the Municipal District (MD) of Bonnyville, which means no burning of any kind, and no fireworks. McEvoy says the restriction came a day before BRFA headed up to Fort McMurray to assist in the wildfire efforts.

“Bonnyville provided a water tender and a crew and Cold Lake Fire Rescue provided a pumper and a crew,” McEvoy explains the involvement the local fire departments have in Fort McMurray. “This morning, they were stationed at a trailer park, at the edge of the city. That’s just where they started today,” McEvoy says he’ll be updated throughout the day on where the crews will be stationed. Thus far, there are seven firefighters from our region.

“We’re reminding everyone that the fire hazard in our area is extreme, at the moment. We are asking everybody to be extra careful when it comes to anything that could cause a wildfire in this area.” With help given to Fort McMurray both locally and provincially, resources are limited should a fire break out, says McEvoy, “we’re stretch thin throughout the province; all we’re asking is for people to be extremely cautious.” Some fire starters that people don’t normally think of are ATVs and discarded cigarettes. Smokers should ensure their cigarettes are completely butted out and not to throw cigarettes out of vehicles.

There is no restriction in the Town of Bonnyville, in regards to warming fires, McEvoys says the department is more concerned with outside Bonnyville’s limits.

McEvoy will keep LCN posted with any updates on BRFA involvement in the Fort McMurray Wildfire. “We’re working on supporting Fort McMurray, best we can.”