Richard Froese
South Peace News
High Prairie region’s first wildfire of the year temporarily closed a section of highway near Grouard on April 16.
Big Lakes County first reported the wildfire in a notice on its website on April 16 at 9:30 a.m.
High Prairie RCMP closed Highway 750 between Township Rd. 752A to just north of the bridge for about two to three hours to allow emergency services to respond to the fire.
Big Lakes also refers to the incident as a grass fire on its website.
A fireguard was established to protect the area south of Highway 750, states an update April 17 at 12:10 p.m.
No structures or private property were reported in danger April 16-18, according to Big Lakes reports.
Alberta Wildfire and a helicopter assisted Big Lakes County Fire Services and Sucker Creek First Nation in the fire as 12 firefighters were on scene April 16.
The Buffalo Bay grassfire remained active and was being closely monitored by Big Lakes fire department as of April 18.
Due to warm temperatures, strong winds and dry grass conditions, the wildfire danger remained high in the Slave Lake Forest Area with a fire advisory in the Big Lakes permit area as of April 18.
Landowners who conducted winter burning or who have previously held fire permits are strongly encouraged to revisit their burn site to ensure all fires are fully extinguished.
Under a fire advisory, all existing fire permits remain valid if weather conditions are rated safe – when winds are under 12 km/hr.
The use of fireworks and exploding targets are strictly prohibited.
Firefighters urge citizens to exercise extreme caution around burning and activities that could spark a wildfire and to report any wildfires immediately by phoning 310-FIRE (3473).
Fire lookouts are actively monitoring for smoke and wildfire crews – supported by aircraft – are ready to respond to any new incidents.
Further updates were posted on the Big Lakes website and Facebook.