The wildfire burning in the Grovedale region is reported to have crossed Bald Mountain Tower Road. Alberta Wildfire says extreme fire behaviour was observed Friday and significant growth is expected to the southeast.
As of May 19th, the blaze 21 kilometres west of Highway 40 and 50 kilometres south of Grande Prairie is estimated to be 14,540 hectares in size. If there is enough visibility, the plan is for a reconnaissance flight Saturday to assess the area and get a new estimate of how many hectares have burned.
Fighting the fire Friday were 46 firefighters, including 20 from Ontario, five helicopters, and 12 pieces of heavy equipment. Any volunteers, equipment owners and operators, or firefighters looking to help with any wildfires in Alberta is asked to contact [email protected].
The region has been under an evacuation order since May 12th. It applies to all residents located south of Township Road 690 between Highway 40 and the B.C. Border in the Grovedale area. People living north of Township Road 690 to the Wapiti River should be prepared to evacuate on short notice.