Water bombers are being brought in to help rural firefighters tackle hot spots in a wildland fire that has been burning since Saturday, said fire officials.
“If the weather helps us at all, we have high hopes for today,” Rob Singleton, chief administrative officer for Lamont County, said Tuesday.
The fire, about 65 kilometres northeast of Edmonton near Bruderheim, was thought to be contained, but flared up Monday afternoon because of high winds, Singleton said.
“It became pretty intense for a period of time,” he said. “We tried to stop the fire from crossing [Range] Road 203 and we were unsuccessful.”
Crews from Andrew, Bruderheim, Lamont and Chipman worked from 2 p.m. until about 7 p.m. on the fire, he said.
The hot spots tend to be in remote areas where it’s difficult to attack them on the ground with firefighters, said Singleton.
Heavy equipment has been used to build fire guards, and water bombers will attack the hot spots from the air, he said.
The wildfire in Strathcona County is being held as of Monday, but it is definitely not under control, says the county’s deputy fire chief. (CBC)
A second wildland fire near Bruderheim — but in Strathcona County — was being held as of Tuesday morning, said Bob Scott, deputy fire chief for Strathcona County.
“Last night, there were three homes that were threatened,” Scott said. “We had some very, very close calls.
“Quick action by firefighters on the ground and quick helicopter work” saved the buildings, he said.
Firefighters are prepared for the fire to increase, said Scott.
“The fuel that’s burning right now is very tinder-dry,” he said. “It’s the typical fuel we get in the springtime in Alberta.”
Since Saturday, the fire has burned about 600 hectares.
There were 26 wildfires in forested areas in Alberta as of Tuesday morning, said Matt Bell, Alberta wildfire information officer.
Two are being held and the others have either been brought under control or turned over to the responsible parties, he said.