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A state of local emergency and a wildfire alert were lifted for the summer village of Sandy Beach, but not before the blaze destroyed several homes on Saturday.
The village’s mayor, David Noyes, told CBC News Sunday morning that the wildfire had been contained at two hectares, but that the fire had destroyed three houses and damaged another.
“Those houses were engulfed within minutes. So you know, the fact that they saved the fourth house, very good, prompt work,” said Brian Brady, director of emergency management at Sandy Beach, in an interview Sunday afternoon.
Firefighting crews from multiple surrounding jurisdictions were deployed to the scene, according to a social media update from Sturgeon County Saturday night.
The village, located about 65 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, has approximately 278 full-time residents.
Brady said he saw flames higher than the trees.
“That always leaves an image,” he said.
“People tried to stay off the roads and of course trying to get the word out, communication is always a bit of a challenge. We would really like to encourage people to download the Alberta Alert app because that provides you with much faster information.”
Brady said Sturgeon County is the main provider of emergency services.
“But the Alexander Band is right next door and their fire department guys are very supportive of this area. So they were here in five or six minutes,” he said.
“So excellent work. You know, I’m an ex-fireman, I know from experience that it’s a challenge to come to a blaze like that very quickly.”
In a statement posted to the village’s website around 11:30 a.m., officials said fire crews worked through the night to fight the fire, and that there was no further damage to structures. It said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Officials say summer residents don’t start to come out until next weekend, so many of the yards haven’t been touched and are a bit overgrown, and there are a lot of dry leaves and dead grass —perfect fuel for fire in dry conditions.
Tiffany Fortin has lived in the area for about eight years, and runs Blue Rain Equine Services. She lives outside of Sandy Beach.
She said early on, she was trying to communicate with community members that she could help if they needed animal transportation.
“There was lots of people around, lots of panic. And it was it was hot and it was loud. Like, you could hear lots of popping, lots of roaring,” Fortin said in an interview Sunday afternoon.
Wildfire season is already taking a toll on Alberta communities. This weekend, several homes were lost to flames in the Summer Village of Sandy Beach. CBC’s Emily Fitzpatrick was there.
Seeing how fast it spread was eye-opening, she said.
“It’s very concerning, because we have so many animals, about 50 animals total on the property,” she said.
“So to get everybody … and get them out of here safely, it’s a big job. Especially we have some slow, old guys and stuff. They need special treatment.”
Wider concern
Counties and towns around Edmonton have issued fire advisories or fire bans due to increased risk.
Leduc County, Brazeau County, Lac Ste. Anne County, and Westlock County are all under fire advisories. Residents are advised to follow the rules in each area for what burns are allowed.
Sturgeon County and Parkland County are currently under fire bans, meaning no outdoor wood or charcoal fires are permitted until further notice.
Barrhead County is under a fire restriction notice. The action suspends all burn permits and prohibits burn barrels, large burn pits, and incinerators. No new fire permits will be issued.
The bans and restrictions come as gusts of wind blow through most of the province Sunday.
A fire in Parkland County near Range Road 10 and Beau Rand estates prompted an evacuation alert Sunday afternoon for everyone in the area between Range Road 11 to Range Road 281, and from the river north to Township Road 505, including Beau Rand Estates.
In the alert, the province is asking residents in that area to fuel up, gather important documents and pack a bag with medications and clothes to last up to 72 hours.
