Fire crews work overnight to fight 90-hectare wildfire outside Franchere Bay

Outside the wildfire near Franchere Bay. Image credit: Damian Wawrzynczuk. 

The M.D. of Bonnyville says fire crews will remain on site, overnight, combating the wildfire currently burning on Range Road 474 south of Franchere Bay roughly 25 kilometers outside of Bonnyville.

The out of control wildfire broke out at 5pm and within six hours grew up to 90 hectares large, the M.D. estimates.

The fire started moving southeast and spread rapidly due to heavy winds and timber dry conditions in the Moose Lake forest area.

Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority crews, including M.D. employees and private contractors, are working on the north and south side of the fire, pushing the 50-foot fire break towards Moose Lake.

Aircraft stopped aerial firefighting efforts at 10:15p.m.

There is no evacuation order in place.

Melvin asks residents to stay away from the area, and stay off of Moose Lake to let fire crews continue their work.

“I appreciate the hard work of all of our firefighters, crews from Alberta Forestry and appreciate residents giving us room to work,” Melvin said.

He anticipates another full day of firefighting efforts tomorrow.

The wildfire is currently 80 to 90 hectares (197 to 222 acres) in size and is still classified as out of control.

Range Road 474 remains closed at Highways 28 and 660.

The dry conditions was the reason nearby Moose Lake Provincial Park has been closed for nearing two weeks.

Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Fire Chief Jay Melvin urges residents to monitor the M.D.’s Facebook page and website for updates.