News You Can Use: News items from external sources that might be useful to MDSR residents.
Silverwood Fire 2023
May 12,2023 – Hi everyone, recieving lots of concerns on the smoke and flames in the Silverwood area. This burn is intentional to burn off fuels and debris within the confined area.
CPFR is well aware of the situation and is monitoring. We have been in contact with Alberta Forestry and they agree the best way to deal with this confined area is to let it burn.
If the work changes for mitigation we will post for everyone.
PLEASE stay out of the area as it’s very difficult to monitor with non-emergency assistance.
Thank you, Brian Kroes, Manager/Fire Chief
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May 10,2023 -Update for the wildfire south of Rycroft. The fire has been deemed a loss stopped. This term means that the fire is out and command has been terminated.
There will be smoke coming from the fire break that was built on twp. 772 and in the surrounding bush, but this is normal and will smoke for upcoming weeks. There is no danger to any residents in the affected fire area.
CPFR will begin fire investigation as our next step in the process.
Thank you to everyone involved for working extended hours and days working this fire.
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May 7,2023 -The Silverwood fire located South of Rycroft is now UNDER CONTROL. This means there is little threat of it spreading, due to the fire guards now in place, reduced ground fuels and other mitigation measures being taken. There are still many hot spots & smouldering areas, which are being continually monitored as they cool. We ask that everyone continue to take extreme care while outdoors, as the Fire Danger rating is still EXTREME and Fire Bans are still in effect. ATCO Electric is in the process of repairing the damage to their infrastructure and will have power restored in the near future.
Fire Chief Kroes, also advise people to avoid the area as there are numerous hazards, such as dead trees, with the potential of causing harm. He further advises that the smoke will likely persist for up to three weeks and the CPFRC are continuing to monitor the situation. A big thanks again to Brian, Brice, all rescue workers, RCMP and everyone else who helped to control this situation.
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May 6,2023 -The MD of Spirit River Council would like to thank the Central Peace Fire and Rescue Commission, Fire Chief Brian Kroes and all the volunteers, along with the Woking, Birch Hills County, and Happy Valley Fire Departments and the RCMP for assisting in fighting the fire in the MD of Spirit River. Great thanks to all local volunteers who donated equipment and time to assist the fire departments.
We also thank the provincial water bombers for their assistance. Please be advised that the Reeve toured the area Saturday morning, and we are advised the fire is “BEING HELD”, which means it has been contained to its current footprint, as it burns off the remaining surface fuels where it’s sitting. It isn’t expected to grow bigger, unless we experience strong winds.
The fire is 8 km away from the Village, and 12 km away from the Town. Fire resources will remain on scene, helping cool and extinguish any extensions.
They will remain on scene until the fire is cooled off and is safe.
The fire currently poses no immediate threat to area homes, the Village or the Town.
Its important for residents to remember, the Fire Danger Rating for the area is EXTREME, so additional fires in or around our communities are still a real possibility, and we all need to be extra-vigilant, with any potential sources of ignition.
ATCO Electric is on site trying to bring electricity back to all ratepayers in the area who may be without power. Several power poles were affected, and they will be working on these when it is safe to do so.CN Rail is also onsite making repairs to the rail infrastructure.
We ask that only area residents drive through the area to allow the workers to get their job done. We will keep you posted as we receive updates from the Central Peace Fire and Rescue Commission.