Alberta’s night-time firefighting capabilities are already being put to use.
Yesterday evening the province said they have made progress on the fire burning near Saprae Creek Estates, and it is now classified as, “Being held”. According to Alberta Wildfire, being held means the fire is not expected to spread so long as conditions remain stable.
Last night, Alberta Wildfire had a night-vision-equipped aircraft working to douse the remaining flames of the fire. The province has deployed 32 firefighters, six helicopters, and five heavy equipment groups to beat back the blaze during daylight hours. They are also receiving aerial assistance from water bombers as needed.
Alberta RCMP is also reminding the public not to operate drones in the vicinity of a wildfire as it not only interferes with fire suppression activities by grounding aircraft but also violates Canada’s Aeronautics Act.
The fire is currently 67 hectares and burning 4.5 kilometers from Saprae Creek Estates, which remains under an evacuation alert. Residents of Saprae are asked to be prepared to leave on short notice if necessary.
Anyone in Saprae Creek Estates is advised to:
- Be aware and stay informed by following official and trusted channels such as RMWB.ca and Municipal Twitter or Facebook
- Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts App
- Follow local media sources
- Arrange with neighbours to advise one another of an emergency notification
- Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit
- Make an emergency plan for your household
- Close all windows
- Keep all combustibles at least 1.5 metres away from your home and propane tanks and woodpiles at least 10 metres away
- Move all unused patio furniture to a shed or safe storage facility
- Take other proactive steps to prepare households and properties. View more FireSmart tips at home
For the most up-to-date information on provincial fire advisories and restrictions, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit albertafirebans.ca. If you see a fire in the forested area, report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473).
If you or someone you know is struggling, Alberta maintains a 24/7 mental health crisis line at: 1-877-303-2642 (Toll free), you can also contact Some Other Solutions locally at: 780-743-4357.