UPDATE: Moose Lake Fire held at 110 hectares

Image: Aerial view of Moose Lake fire

Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Fire Chief Jay Melvin got a clearer picture of the Moose Lake fire this morning.

Melvin did an aerial inspection around 8 a.m. It revealed the fire is being held at 110 hectares (272 acres). While there are some concerns due to wind, he says the fire can now be considered under control. There are no evacuation orders in place.

There are over 20 pieces of equipment on site, including fire trucks, heavy equipment, quads and more. There are also two helicopters dropping water and four, eight-man ground crews working on hot spots. There are 45-60 people on the ground currently fighting the fire.

Continue monitoring the M.D.’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MDBonnyville) and website (www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca) for updates. Photos from Melvin’s aerial inspection can be found on this page.

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 have been closed.

Range Road 474 remains closed at Highways 28 and 660.

At the current time, no donations or resources for firefighters are needed. 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.