Fire trucks air lifted in to help battle Fort Chipewyan wildfire
Posted June 2, 2023 6:13 pm.
The military needed to fly in fire trucks to fight wildfires in the Fort Chipewyan area as more than 800 people have been evacuated from the remote community by boat or air this week.
Officials say the fire has grown to 14,500 hectares.
Chiefs of First Nations impacted have stayed behind, keeping their members updated through Facebook Lives.
“Winds are east-northeast and as you can see, they have picked up here,” said Chief Billy Joe Tuccaro, Mikisew Cree First Nation.
“The fire is about the same distance as it was yesterday, from the Allison Bay boundary it’s about three kilometers.”
Chief Tucaro confirmed at least four cabins have burned. Saying he’s already in touch with the federal Minister of Indigenous Services to talk about financing the rebuild.
“As we make the preparations for the worst because fire predictions are unknown. We also have to prepare about the community folks who have stayed behind,” said Chief Allan Adam, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.
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Chief Adams says there’s currently no end in sight for the evacuation order, but asks those who have stayed behind to sign up to help with sprinklers and fireguards.
“We’ll do our best. We’ll do our best to save our home.”
Thursday saying, there were people caught trying to loot, and they’ve since been removed from the community.
“It’s been a very emotional few days here. And we are doing our best. It’s all we can do. ”
Friday, Alberta Wildfire says 14,500 hectares have burned. The out-of-control wildfire is eight kilometers from Fort Chipewyan, four kilometers from the airport, and four kilometers from Allison Bay. It is believed to be started by lightning.
“This is our number one priority wildfire in the province,” said Christie Tucker with Alberta Wildfire
While cooler temperatures have helped fires in central Alberta, Tucker says it’s still hot and windy near Fort Chipewyan, but more support, and military troops deployed are expected this weekend.
