UPDATE: Alberta Wildfire says air tankers are no longer working in the area. The fire is still classified as out of control.
Provincial firefighters are currently battling a blaze south of Grande Prairie. It’s roughly six kilometres southwest of Musreau Lake, along the Husky Road near Highway 40, and is considered out of control. It’s believed to have been caused by lightning.
Wildfire information officer Kelly Burke says it looks to be around eight hectares in size, but the smoke is making it difficult to properly gauge. Burke says they have heavy equipment and dozers on the scene and are spraying retardant as well.
They also have firebombers skimming water off of Musreau Lake, and anyone on the shore needs to stay 30 metres back when they’re in the area.
At this point, Burke says Alberta Wildfire isn’t concerned about industry workers in the area and is in touch with site managers. However, if the winds shift direction tomorrow that could pose difficulties for firefighting efforts.
They have several pieces of equipment fighting it. That includes planes skimming the lake. At this point, there isn’t a concern for industry in the area, but that could change tomorrow if the winds shift.