Alberta firefighters battling ‘out of control’ wildfire near Bragg Creek

Alberta Wildfire is currently on the scene of an “out of control” wildfire near Bragg Creek that started early Sunday.

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According to Redwood Meadows fire chief Rob Evans, the wildfire is about 100 hectares in size and is burning near the south end of the McLean Creek area.

At around 4 p.m., an emergency alert was issued to mobile users by the MD of Foothills warning people to avoid the area and prepare for possible evacuations.

“A wildfire is currently burning approximately 16 km west of Bragg Creek and is moving in a north easterly direction towards the extreme north west corner of the MD of Foothills,” the alert read. “Avoid the area. Prepare for possible evacuations.”

The fire is listed as being “out of control” on the Alberta Wildfire map, but no communities or structures are threatened at the moment, Evans said.

However, he said anyone in the backcountry should be aware and take precautions.

An Alberta Wildfire official told Global News that fire crews have made progress, but that the fire is still classified as out-of-control.

“The fire is… still classified as out-of-control but our crews have been doing a lot of hard work on the fire today so we are still calling it about 100 hectares in size but the air tankers did a good job boxing in on the flanks and a touch ahead of the fire. Now the crews are working with the helicopters. We have five helicopters bucketing heading targeted spots for the rest of the evening,” said the official.

“We did have a favourable wind shift. It shifted to the north-west which moved the fire in a direction away from any threats or communities.”

Alberta Wildfire is asking members of the public to refrain from going to the McLean Creek area.

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Kananaskis County issued an alert asking people to be prepared to evacuate, although an evacuation order isn’t in effect at this time.

“Smoke in the area may impact driving conditions and air quality,” the alert warned. People are being asked to avoid Highway 762, Highway 549 West of Millarville and Highway 66 West of Bragg Creek.

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Large plumes of white smoke could be seen from a distance from Calgary.

Evans said the wildfire is burning in a cut block in the forest which is why there is heavy smoke.

“There’s heavy slash, old debris in the area, and that’s why it’s putting up so much smoke.”

Rocky View County issued a message to area residents at around 2:30 Sunday afternoon.

“There is a wildfire in the McLean Creek area, about 9 km from Bragg Creek,” the notice read.

Rocky View County said their firefighters are on scene to assist local first responders. As well, crews are there to monitor the situation for potential impacts on Bragg Creek.

The notice also stated that there is no threat to Bragg Creek. However, all residents of the area are being asked to stay connected to local media for updated information.

“Please be on standby to leave the area should it prove necessary. An emergency response centre has been set up, and you will be provided with updated information as soon as it is available,” the statement read.