As the wildfire burns north of Cold Lake, The City is overcome with a feeling of uncertainty.Mayor of Cold Lake Craig Copeland says the residents’ are dealing with a lot of unknown factors. One of the biggest concerns for the city are the fire fighters, says Mayor Copeland, “obviously it’s a big fire and you worry about the men and women that are fighting the fire.”
There are a lot questions on his mind, says Mayor Copeland, “is it damaging any of the oil infrastructure up there on the air weapons range?” Moisture, or lack there of, causes worry, continues Mayor Copeland, “we’re not getting a moisture, so is this going to be a long-drawn out process?” Mayor Copeland, also ponders if it could get worse, “could the fire get bigger?”
Mayor Copeland says the City of Cold Lake does not have a fire ban within the city limits, saying the city, “has never really done that for a number of years.” Noting that residents’ are pretty knowledgeable of the conditions, “I think everyone’s pretty aware.”
Mayor Copeland says there is a ban in the MD of Bonnyville, “out in the country and in provincial campgrounds you can’t make a fire.”
For more on The Municipal District of Bonnyville’s Fire Ban visit the MD online. The Province of Alberta also has a fire ban in place, The Town of Bonnyville is under a fire ban, and Alberta Health Services has issued an air quality advisory for the area.