Crews battle fire north of Redwater

Megan Suitor 

Redwater emergency crews responded to a grass fire on the evening of May 4. The fire was reported noth-east of the Redwater Transfer Station, and Redwater Fire Department crews were dispatched. The extremely hot, dry and windy conditions created difficult conditions, and the fire continued to spread in a northerly direction, with additional crews being called in to help control and contain the fire. The Town of Redwater also provided aid in creating a fire line with heavy equipment. 

Concerned residents were kept updated by the town throughout the evening with posts on Facebook and on the town website. The Emergency Coordination Centre was activated at 8:45 p.m. as a precaution. An update at 10:01 p.m. announced that the fire status had been changed to “held”, with the fire within a contained perimeter. 

Friday morning saw an outpouring of gratitude and support on Facebook for the crews that worked diligently to contain the fire in difficult conditions. 

Diane Pysmeny with the Town of Redwater passed on an update from the Fire Chief that the perimeter is contained. She added her praise to those who fought the fires. 

“We didn’t have to evacuate any residents, and there was no damage to structures. The crews did an amazing job,” she said. 

As of Friday, May 5, Range Road 215 remained closed for emergency crews to continue to monitor the fire, and residents were asked to avoid the area. The Redwater Transfer Station was also reported to remain closed for the week. 

Residents were reminded that a fire ban for both Redwater and Sturgeon County remained in effect.