Two wildfires in the span of five days broke out near Cochrane last week. Fire one kilometre from Cochrane Fire crews contained a wildfire that broke out around 2 p.m. May 23 on Stoney Nakoda Nation land.
Two wildfires in the span of five days broke out near Cochrane last week.
Fire one kilometre from Cochrane
Fire crews contained a wildfire that broke out around 2 p.m. May 23 on Stoney Nakoda Nation land. The fire was only one kilometre west of Cochrane.
Jory Jenson, a fire captain with Cochrane Fire Services, said the location of the wildfire made it difficult to access.
“It’s a tough location to get at. We do have crews on the ground but it’s a hill and river on one side and of course very difficult to take the fire on as it’s coming up towards you,” Jenson said.
Fire crews from the Rocky View Fire Services and Stoney Nakoda Fire Services were also on the scene and were assisted by helicopters from Alberta Forestry.
The fire grew to at least 15 hectares.
Three fire services from the area sent in ground crew and tankers to assist the aircrew in putting out the fire on Stoney Nakoda land. By Amy Tucker
Fire near Bragg Creek
A fire began in the south end of McLean Creek on Sunday, approximately 16 kilometres southwest of Bragg Creek.
The M.D. of Foothills placed a voluntary evacuation for residents living south of Highway 22 west of Highway 762 and north of 178 Avenue.
This included residents of Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows and any campers or travellers in the area.
Officials said Sunday night the fire was around 100 hectares and was contained by use of retardant
.
As of Monday morning, Redwood Meadows Fire Chief Rob Evans said the fire was still about 100 hectares.
The fire was still listed as being held by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry as of Tuesday. As well, the fire had shrunk by 60 km.
M.D. of Foothills Division 4 Coun. Suzanne Oel said on Monday that a State of Local Emergency had been declared for the MD of Foothills in response to the McLean Creek Wildfire.
“Preparations for a reception centre are underway,” Oel wrote on social media Monday morning.
Officials said there was “heavy slash content” which is why there is smoke being generated by the fire.
“Tankers, helicopters, and ground crews will continue to work the fire in the morning, and municipal fire crews from Redwood Meadows, Rocky View, and Foothills will continue to plan for community protection in case it is necessary.”
As of Tuesday, the Forest Fire Hazard level in Redwood Meadows and Bragg Creek was listed as “extreme.”
