County firefighters spent Saturday, May 3 racing from one grass fire to the next.
The County of Vermilion River (CVR), Legacy, Britannia and Frog Lake all fought blazes throughout the day.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., Blackfoot Fire and Rescue battled a fire along the CN Rail tracks in the hamlet. Kitscoty Fire Department helped after a second alarm was called and the Canadian National Railway closed the tracks and stopped trains to keep firefighters safe.
Read more: Be ready, spring sparks can spread fast
At the same time, the County of Vermilion River reported a large fire in Frog Lake.
According to Winston Moosepayo, fire Chief for Kehewin Emergency Services, they joined numerous other departments, including Onion Lake to help out.
“At approximately 3 p.m. yesterday, Kehewin Emergency Services received an urgent call for service from Frog Lake. We were able to deploy a truck out with a crew to assist with the fire,” said Moosepayo on Sunday.
“At this time, the fire burnt an area of approximately 1,100 hectares … 16 homes were saved with quick action from fire crews.”
According to another post by Frog Lake, the fire Chief stated they lost three homes to the blaze, which was under control just before midnight.
Just after 9 p.m., Blackfoot Fire and Rescue rushed to a fast-moving stubble fire. Marwayne Fire & Rescue joined to provide tanker support. Crews quickly put out the fire and went back to quarters.
“We are fortunate the County is well equipped and trained to respond to and tackle wildfire threats as proven throughout the day,” said Kirk Hughes, director of protective services. “Hats off to our volunteers for the quick and efficient work they do.”
Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority gave some insight into why fires are so prevalent when it’s hot, a condition known as crossover.
“When the air temperature surpasses the relative humidity (like 25°C with only 24 per cent humidity), the risk of wildfire skyrockets,” stated a social media post.
“Dry grass, brush, and twigs become highly flammable, making fires ignite easily, spread rapidly, and behave unpredictably. Fires start instantly, flames move quickly and the fire behaviour is erratic.”
According to Dean Peters, fire Chief for Legacy Regional Protective Services, they had a busy day while also trying to complete their Firefighter 1001 testing.
Around 1:49 p.m. they were called to a tractor fire south of Marshall. Shortly after, they were also called to a yard fire east of Lashburn.
Before they could finish up there, a fire was reported on Highway 16, east of Marshall at 4:14 p.m.
“The fire started south of the highway and burned an estimated 20 acres,” said Peters. “Then it jumped the highway and burned about 40 acres on the north side.
They requested mutual aid from Britannia for the highway fire.
“(Britannia) firefighters worked along the south side of Highway 16. Crews knocked down flames and put out hot spots. All units were back in service by 10:30 p.m.” stated Britannia Fire Department on Facebook.
County of Vermilion firefighters, however, weren’t done for the weekend.
On International Firefighters Day, May 4, the Marwayne Fire rushed to a grass fire around 2:30 p.m. Dewberry Fire and Rescue provided mutual aid as the call was upgraded.
Shortly after that fire, Clandonald Fire travelled to a bailer fire around 5 p.m. Dewberry and the Vermilion Fire and Rescue Society provided tanker support when upgraded to a second alarm.
“Fire bans and restrictions exist for a reason, they help keep communities safe,” stated a Bonnyville post. “Let’s all stay fire smart, especially on those dry, hot days when the crossover effect is in play.”
A full fire ban is in place in Frog Lake and the RM of Wilton. The County of Vermilion River remains under a partial fire ban. The MD of Bonnyville No. 87, Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach, Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and Village of Glendon also face fire restrictions.
For more information on what is and isn’t allowed in your community, refer to their various websites.
CVR reminds you that if you see smoke, call 911.
Read more: Update: CVR puts out grass fire near Kitscoty
