Cold Lake First Nation wildfire under investigation

More details have been released following the fire on Cold Lake First Nations.

In a video posted to their social media channels on Monday night, CLFN chief Kelsey Jacko provided images after the seven hectare fire.

He alluded their being an active investigation into the fire’s cause.

“The seven hectare on CLFN last week and the four following smaller ones were all man-made. The police are actively looking for the suspect,” Jacko said in the video. 

Cold Lake RCMP have confirmed there is an ongoing investigation.

Drone footage of the southeast corner was shared during the video, showcasing how close it came to some people’s homes.

Some forty families were evacuated in the evening of Thursday, May 4 by an Alberta Emergency Alert order.

The fire had begun that afternoon and rapidly changing winds, plus dry conditions posed a serious threat. While the Alberta Government report said there is one home lost, Cold Lake First Nations has responded saying no homes were taken in the fire.

By the last evening, officials said the fire had been contained.

Fire guards are being placed throughout the Nation in order to mitigate future fires.

The province remains in a fire and OHV ban in the Forest Protection Areas, and the M.D. of Bonnyville is mirroring those precautions.

Man-made fires have been a concern in recent weeks.

Just northeast of Cold Lake First Nations in Cherry Grove, 29-year-old John Cook was charged with ten counts or arson, dating back to lit fires in the summer of 2022, and most recently took down a church and nearly the post office in the hamlet.