Fire crews responded to three separate incidents between April 16-18 across the County of Vermilion River (CVR).
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At 2 a.m. on April 16, emergency crews responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 893 north of Dewberry where a semi-truck was leaking fluids.
Dewberry and Clandonald Fire and Rescue arrived to handle the scene and control traffic. No injuries were reported.
Later in the day, a fast-moving grassfire broke out near Highway 619 and Range Road 20. A Cenovus crew spotted the fire while working at a lease site and called 911.
“Given the high gust of the winds, this fire could have been extremely problematic,” said operations officer Austin Armitage. “Early detection made a big difference here.”
Crews from Blackfoot Fire and Rescue, Paradise Valley Fire Department and County Protective Services responded. Firefighters and a local farmer worked together to put out the blaze, however, roughly 10 acres burned. Crews declared the fire stopped at 5:30 p.m.
Earlier that afternoon, another fire call sent the Vermilion Fire and Rescue Society north of town. Crews quickly handled the situation.
On April 18, residents spotted smoke southeast of Blackfoot. A large bog fire was burning south of Highway 16 near Range Road 14 sending Blackfoot Fire and Rescue to the scene.
Crews found a strong fire burning in brush and trees, however, it was moving fast in the wind and threatened a home and outbuildings. Kitscoty Fire Department and County Protective services responded to help battle the blaze.
Firefighters worked with local farmers to fight the fire and check for hot spots.
Blackfoot District fire chief John McGerrigle declared the fire out at 10:30 p.m.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation but does not appear suspicious,” said CVR officials.
The county also thanked volunteers, local farmers, and EC911 dispatchers for their efforts.
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