Wildfire crews near Whitecourt, Alta., bracing for gusting winds day after 'subdued' conditions

Crews fighting to hold a discharge threatening homes mere kilometres from the community of interests of Whitecourt ar refreshing for gusting winds Wednesday that could fan the flames.

The wildfire, which now spans across more than 50 hectares of forest in Woodlands County, has forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes. 

The wildfire continues to burn near homes in the area of West Ridge. As of Tuesday night, the fire remained approximately 3.5 km southeast of the Town of Whitecourt and less than 1 km south of Highway 43. 

As the evacuation enters its third day, the forecast could prove critical in how the fire-fight unfolds.

Officials with Alberta Wildfire, the province’s wildfire-fighting agency, said strong wind gusts Wednesday could make conditions more challenging but they hope cooler temperatures and calm winds prevail. 

While the blaze remains classified as out of control, crews took advantage of calmer conditions Tuesday to contain the flames.

“Fire behaviour was calm today with no open flames,” Alberta Wildfire officials said in an update issued Tuesday evening.

“These subdued conditions allowed firefighters and aircraft to make good progress. Firefighters worked on eliminating hotspots along the perimeter and near homes, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment. 

“Municipal firefighters have been working alongside Alberta Wildfire and will continue to reinforce containment lines. Structure protection remains in place to protect homes and critical infrastructure."

If the long-term forecast holds, heavy rains expected in the region overnight Wednesday could also provide some much-needed relief to wildfire crews in the region. 

With no precipitation in days, conditions in the region have been parched and are considered extreme for the risk of severe wildfire behaviour. 

Evacuation orders were issued Monday evening hours after the fire was detected. 

Officials with Woodlands County have since confirmed that at least one home has been lost to the flames. 

Most of the people displaced from their homes have taken refuge in the Town of Whitecourt where an evacuation centre has been established inside the local recreation centre. 

As of Tuesday evening, approximately 150 families, 424 individuals and 350 pets had registered.  Evacuees have been offered support with food, accommodations and necessities and crews have begun doing welfare checks on any pets or livestock left behind. 

Woodlands County officials said while residents are eager to return home, public safety remains their priority and there are no plans for re-entry at this time. 

Wildfire in north-central Alberta claims home in Woodlands County

Jackie Clark, her husband Jeff and their seven children have been staying in a hotel room since the fire approached.

They live on Bison Road, in the area of Woodlands County that remains under mandatory evacuation, but were not at home when the order to leave was issued. 

Clark said she feels unsettled about all she had to leave behind, including their dog. They drove close to the edge of the evacuation zone Tuesday in the hopes of retrieving their pet.

“There's a lot of anxiety and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do,” she said. “Just sitting around not being able to go home is not a good feeling.” 

Clark said her five-year-old daughter has become confused and fearful about the fire. She somehow came to believe that their home had burned and woke up in their hotel room crying, Clark said. 

“I didn't realize how scared she would be. I thought, well, we'll just go get her security blanket and she'll be fine. But they know more about what's going on than you think they do, I guess.”

Clark said they were feeling grateful but unsettled, fearful about what her neighbours may have lost to the flames. 

“You worry about everybody,” she said. “I don’t want anybody to be displaced. I don’t want any neighbours to have to rebuild their lives. That’s a terrible thing.” 

Clark said she is thankful for the first responders, and the support evacuated families have received.

She said it's comforting to see her community members care for one another during the crisis. 

“A lot of people here have really big hearts.”

Reporter

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