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Vol. 12, No. 10, Tuesday, January 3, 2017 www.LamontLeader.com
Skaro wildfire continues to burn underground Costs continue to rise for Lamont County Michelle Pinon Editor
The most expensive, most dangerous, and most costliest wildfire in Lamont County history continues to burn. Lamont County Regional Fire Chief Dave Zayonce told members of county council on Dec. 13, “It’s still burning underground.” Zayonce, who has toured the Skaro area several times in recent months, compared the hot spots that have been dug up using back hoes as lava like in nature, which continues to burn roots in the peat moss and muskeg well below the surface. “I’ve never seen so many different kinds of soil,” added Zayonce. Even though there has been rain and snow accumulation this fall, Zayonce said the ground is not porous enough for the moisture to soak through. “It’s almost like lava.” Zayonce said he has seen spots where there’s no snow at all. “My intention is to secure some type of drone to road map the area.” With many different types of topography, Zayonce said having a detailed representation of the natural features, would h e l p identify the high r i s k areas so t h e y would be able to deal w i t h Lamont County those Regional Fire Chief first. Dave Zayonce Because the fire remains active underground with occasional flare ups above ground, Zayonce said no burn permits
FILE PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAMONT COUNTY
Even though the Skaro wildfire was extinguished above ground several months ago, it continues to burn below ground in several hot spots. A great deal of time and financial resources have been invested in containment and mitigation measures, and more work has been proposed in the future. would be issued for the Skaro district area. In terms of remediation, Zayonce assured council that “As the situation presents itself, we will deal with it.” He also pointed out that he is working with the province on mitigation issues. “I am trying to secure funding with the province to deal with the brush piles in the area. I’d like to remove the danger until we can do something concrete to deal with brush piles.” Whether they try mulching and/or grinding the trees, we would need to secure government funding for that.” He estimates the cost for that to be between $400,000 and $700,000. Those expenses are included in the county’s disaster emergency claim upon recommendation from an official with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency. To date, Lamont County has spent approximately $1.6 million on the
wildfire, and still has yet to receive word as to any financial compensation by the province. Back on Monday, April 18, 2016 the Lamont Fire Department was dispatched around 1:15 p.m. to a brush pile fire at Township Road 572 and Range Road 190. Brisk winds, coupled with extremely dry grass, leaves, trees, and peat moss made conditions extreme and dangerous in a very short time span. The Bruderheim Fire Department as well as the rural Chipman Fire Department were dispatched a short time later. The Andrew Fire Department was also called for assistance later in the day. One local resident had to be evacuated from their property, and four firefighters were taken to hospital with various, but non-threatening injuries. The total area of the fire was contained to a radius of 15 square miles.
Many hours have been spent digging up, extinguishing, and reburying tree roots, peat moss, and muskeg in the affected areas.