2021 HYLO/BUFFALO LAKE WILDLAND FIRE

On Thursday, May 6, 2021, Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue responded to a wildfire near Township Road 652 and Range Road 165. The fire was first spotted by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, who saw the smoke column from the Heart Lake Tower.

The fire was in a field, travelling northwest towards Range Road 165. Firefighters contained the fire to the east of Range Road 165 and south of Township Road 652, all while protecting infrastructure. Operations lasted more than seven days. The fire was contained after the second day of operations, and under control after day seven. Over the seven-day period, the following resources assisted: all Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue stations; County Community Peace Officers; RCMP; EMS; two Alberta Agriculture and Forestry crews; Alberta Agriculture & Forestry rotary wing suppression and assessment; the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement Fire Department; the Caslan Fire Department; the County’s Transportation Services department; and numerous private contractors for water supply and fire guard construction.

One residence in the burn area was saved because of response crews’ smart defensive measures. Although the fire did cross over Range Road 165 in a couple of areas, most notably at the creek crossing, the fire was quickly contained again. Crews worked each day from sunup to sundown using direct attack to extinguish and overhaul the fire. In the evenings when cooler conditions slowed the fire down, contractors constructed fire guards (areas that have limited fuel and are difficult to burn) to help contain the fire.

In the end, property loss was limited to a small amount of farm machinery, stacks of straw bales, and one abandoned out building damaged by a previous fire. By containing the fire, two neighbouring properties were saved, in addition to the property located in the burn area. There was no loss of life, and no reported injuries from community members and responders.

The timely and professional response to this incident demonstrates the strength of the County’s regional collaboration with other agencies and our neighbours. Continued relationship-building through regular meetings and collaborative training exercises will ensure that our emergency response efforts continue to improve.

We’re committed to making the highest quality service available for our residents and visitors.