A wildfire burning close to Lodgepole, Alberta had more than 30 firefighters, along with helicopters and waterbombers, working through the night. While crews managed to set up a fire guard in some areas, more resources are being sent in and residents remain on stand-by to be evacuated from the area under short notice.
The fire has been burning west of Range Road 91 and Township 475 since Saturday, when it was travelling in a northeast direction from Highway 620, with wind playing a major factor.
On the Alberta Wildfire Info Facebook page, the following update was posted on Sunday about the wildfire which officials say is 363 hectares or 3.6 square kilometres:
"There are still more than 30 government firefighters on the fire with more than 90 either arriving already or on their way from all over Alberta. Helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment, like bull dozers are going to continue to fight the fire during the day. Expect smoky conditions in areas around Lodgepole, Drayton Valley and Brazeau County."
An emergency alert has been sent out telling Lodgepole residents to prepare to evacuate with an hour's notice. Others in the area are advised to also be ready for a possible evactuation. Hwy. 620 is currently closed to all traffic and it's best to avoid the area at this time.
The reeve of Brazeau County said staff at the county’s emergency operations centre were ready to co-ordinate an evacuation if needed. Evacuees would likely go to Drayton Valley, said Wes Tweedle.
Lodgepole is a hamlet of about 125 people, located about 30 kilometres southwest of Drayton Valley and about 130 kilometres southwest of Edmonton.
“It’s sparsely settled (around the hamlet) … There are some farmers and ranchers scattered though the area but mostly it’s oil and gas activity, Tweedle said.
“It’s a forested area and, of course, this time of year it’s vulnerable."
With files from Postmedia News
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