Crews from Bezanson, Teepee Creek, Clairmont, Dunes, and Alberta Wildfire responded to a brush fire in the area of Crystal Creek on May 9th around 9:00 p.m.
Officials say fire crews received word that a brush fire was burning on Range Road 34 near Township 712 and quickly responded with a helicopter and heavy to establish a perimeter around the blaze. Reports suggest that the flames are contained an are “not expected” to grow in size.
Fire crews are currently on scene alongside a helicopter and will continue to operate until the fire is out.
Officials say the cause of the fire was directly related to a two-year-old burn pile and is the second fire that has rekindled after more than 24 months from when it was first lit. Fire officials suggest that lack of precipitation over the last two years has created “extremely” dry conditions.
“We are seeing fires coming back after dormant periods that we have never seen before, please re-check any burning that has been completed in the last two winters,” the County Regional Fire Service says.
As a result, county fire stations will be staffed with equipment on standby through the weekend to ensure crews can respond as quickly as possible if needed.
The County Fire Service is urging all residents to exercise extreme caution in all activities including the operation of off-highway vehicles.
