The Fire Advisory for The Municipal District of Bonnyville area continues. The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Chief Brian McEvoy, says the conditions in the area are still great for fires and the advisory stands, “fires are still only allowed in engineered fire pits in campgrounds and backyards.”
McEvoy says there were a couple fires over the long weekend, “there was a fire near Crane Lake yesterday afternoon (May 18th).” McEvoy says the fire was controlled quickly, “it didn’t necessitate any evacuations.” “It was actioned by Alberta Sustainable Resources and then handed over to The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority who ensured that it was completely out.”
As of May 19th, McEvoy says there’s another fire in the area, “Kehewin First Nations is still dealing with the renascence of a fire on the south side of the reserve.” Both Bonnyville and Kehewin fire fighters responded to the fire which started May 18th, McEvoy says that fire is controlled, “it was contained and fully under control.” He goes on to say that “Kehewin fire department was dealing with the hot spots, at this point it is not a threat to anybody.”
The Fire Advisory effective May 14th states that no new permits will be issued for open fires. Burn barrel permits are suspended. The advisory does not affect cooking or warming fires in approved campground or backyard fire pits or the use of BBQs.
Due to the unseasonably warm temperatures coupled with strong and gusting winds mean any wildfires that ignite will be extremely difficult to contain. The wildfire hazard for the area is VERY HIGH.