Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen. Photo courtesy Alberta government

By Erika Rolling

Wildfire Season

MD of Peace fire and evacuation addressed by province, new update

Apr 24, 2024 | 11:23 AM

UPDATE: The Peace River Forest Area Wildfire Information Office says that as of 3:45 Wednesday afternoon, that the work using heavy equipment to fight the blaze had been completed. Ground crews were still on scene.

In a Wednesday morning update by the MD of Peace, they say the Shaftesbury Trail Fire did not grow “measurably” overnight, but is still classified as out of control.

The Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard says the fire, PMD003, is estimated to be 1,500 hectares in size.

The provincial government held a wildfire update Wednesday morning.

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen says the fire is being worked on with mutual aid assistance by Alberta Wildfire.

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“We have the night vision helicopter and we also have fire crews that worked throughout the night.”

Loewen says the evacuation order and alert was issued due to the size and scope of the fire as well as proximity to residents, but municipalities/AEMA make those calls.

Alberta Wildfire Information Unit Manager Josee St. Onge says they have provided four wildland firefighter crews to the Shaftesbury Trail Fire so far.

“Some of them worked overnight so they’ll get a rest today and new crews will come in to relieve them.”

“We’ve also had heavy equipment operators working out there to strengthen containment lines, helicopters have been deployed and are bucketing water onto the fire, and we have air tankers available as well if needed.”

St. Onge says Alberta Wildfire crews will be working overnight as long as they are needed.

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency’s Managing Director and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Stephen Lacroix says surrounding the Shaftesbury Trail Fire, twelve households have been evacuated.

“It’s approximately 30 individuals I would say.”

The MD of Peace says the evacuation zone is staying the same as Tuesday’s, and no resident homes have been lost to the fire, but several outbuildings have been destroyed.

A reception centre for evacuees is at the Grimshaw Legion at 5011-49 Avenue. It is required evacuees register in person or by calling the MD office at 780-338-3845.