HINTON – A wildfire six kilometres west of Mercoal is now classified as being held and estimated to be 224 hectares as of Thursday (May 29).
Alberta Wildfire says this blaze was caused by lightning.
“Firefighters will continue working to contain the wildfire with the assistance of water trucks,” Alberta Wildfire stated in a Thursday (May 29) update. “They’re searching for and extinguishing hotspots which often involves digging deep into the ground and dousing the smoldering fire with water.”
Yellowhead County continues to have sprinkler protection in the Hamlet of Robb and Mercoal as a precaution. While there is no evacuation order for these communities at this time, residents are encouraged to be prepared.
Smoke was initially detected west of Robb in Yellowhead County on Sunday (May 25). Alberta Wildfire and Yellowhead County have since been responding, with the fire reaching 393 hectares in size at one point.
The wildfire is located around 50 kilometres southeast of Hinton and 16 kilometres southwest of Robb, east of Jasper National Park in the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Peers, a small hamlet east of Edson, was evacuated on Thursday (May 29) due to a 285-hectare wildfire that is classified as out of control. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Highway 16 remains open, but Highway 32 is closed near Peers between Highway 16 and Highway 748. Check 511 Alberta for updates.
Crews also responded to a small wildfire near Bear Lake, which has since been extinguished.
The fire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now very high. Alberta Wildfire warned a wildfire will ignite easily under current conditions.
A fire ban is in effect for the northern and central regions of the Forest Protection Area. The public is asked to avoid all outdoor activities that could cause a fire from a spark, friction or hot exhaust.
In Jasper National Park, the fire danger is rated as high. Parks Canada’s initial attack crew is on duty, and a helicopter is in the park.
