Bonnyville town residents will notice smoke soon, fire still under control at 110-hectares
The M.D. of Bonnyville says town residents will notice more smoke in the air as winds have started spot fires within the Cat fire break.
The fire is under control and is being held at 110 hectares, as of 2:30pm.
Winds have also made the fire jump both the north and south Cat guards. Crews jumped on the breaks quickly, and have reclaimed the North Fire Break, and are working on the South Fire Break.
All of the campgrounds in the area have been shut down and evacuated, including the M.D.’s Pelican Point campground, the Franchere Provincial Recreation Area, and private campgrounds.
There are a couple of residents in Franchere that have also been evacuated.
“Two more aircraft from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry are on their way,” says Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Chief Jay Melvin. “Residents can expect an increase in air traffic over Moose Lake as we battle this fire.”
M.D. Reeve Greg Sawchuk went to check out the fire scene Tuesday.
“It’s very challenging with the current wind situation,” Sawchuk said. “I was out there and, at the time, firefighters observed a change in the wind direction.”
Sawchuk has nothing but praise for the fire crews working to combat the fire.
“It’s very important to thank the first responders for knocking the fire back so quickly yesterday,” he said. “We are thankful for the cooperation and combined efforts of Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, M.D. staff, private contractors and crews from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry in fighting this fire.”
Sawchuk also urges everyone to remember there is a Fire and Off-Highway Vehicle ban in effect for the entire M.D.
Melvin asks residents to continue to stay away from the area, and stay off of Moose Lake to let fire crews continue their work. The boat launches at Vezeau Beach, Turcotte, Birch Grove, Bonnyville Beach and North Shore Heights are closed.
Range Road 474 remains closed at Highways 28 and 660.
The fire is roughly a mile away from Kievs K HI camp but has not burned the campground.
The fire began yesterday at 5pm and was started by human causes.
An investigator is also on the scene.
At the current time, no donations or resources for firefighters are needed, the M.D. says.
“We appreciate the generosity of our residents”
Should donations be required, a list will be posted on the M.D.’s Facebook page, website and Twitter.
Continue monitoring the M.D.’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MDBonnyville) and website (www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca) for updates.
news via inbox
Get Connected! Sign up for daily news updates.
