Note: For our coverage of the Burmis area fire as it was ongoing, click here.
According to Pincher Creek Fire Chief Dave Cox, Pincher Creek Emergency services were responding to an accident on Highway 22 and had just passed Lundbreck on Friday, October 19 when they got called to a fire that was burning just north of Highway 3 in an area between the Burmis tree and Tallon Peak.
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| Burmis area fire Chelby Glen photo |
Pincher Creek, Beaver Mines, and Cowley Fire were all called out to the fire, and due to the location Crowsnest Pass was asked for mutual aid. Due to overlapping jurisdictions Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) was also called out.
Five units responded from the Crowsnest Pass, four units came from Pincher Creek and Cowley, and three water trucks were provided by the MD of Pincher Creek. SRD provided two fire engines, a helicopter with a water bucket, and other resources.
Pincher Creek Emergency Services formed a unified command to direct operations.
RCMP helped with an evacuation that was ordered in the vicinity of the fire. According to Chief Cox about 10 structures were at risk.
Crews fought the fire in high winds until about 5:30 when the efforts were scaled back, as there were only hot spots left to extinguish by that time, and nearby residents were allowed to return to their homes. Pincher Creek Emergency Services crews were released at 5:50 pm and Chief Cox transferred command back to SRD at 6:50.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Semi blown over on Highway 22
The accident on Highway 22 occurred about 10 miles north of the Highway 3 intersection. High winds blew a semi truck over, and it was partially blocking the highway. Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded with a rescue truck, one ambulance, and a fire engine from Lundbreck. The truck driver was transported to Pincher Creek hospital with undetermined injuries. Emergency services undertook traffic control duties until the vehicle could be pulled out of the roadway and into the ditch.
Great coverage and heroic efforts by everyone concerned to contain and put out a potentialy dangerous situation especially if the wind changed. Congratulations go out for a job well done by our every day heroes. Thank you
ReplyDeleteForest fires occur very rapidly especially on dry humid days. Small fire can create disastrous forest fires. Our house almost got caught in a forest fire while we're all out.
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