RCMP thank Peace River residents for ‘quick evacuation responses’ during wildfire

RCMP say efforts from residents near Peace River and law enforcement from surrounding areas helped with the wildfire evacuation efforts Tuesday.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Peace Regional RCMP responded to a wildfire near Highway 684, Shaftsbury Trail, and Bricks Hill. Mounties began evacuation efforts for the homes that were closest to the blaze.

Twelve households — around 30 people — were forced to evacuate. An emergency alert was issued at 7 p.m.

Those who had to leave their homes were told to go to Grimshaw. The flames were about one kilometre from the river, burning northwest.

In a news release, Peace Regional RCMP thanked “the quick evacuation responses of community members in the area, assistance by local farmers, and to all emergency services who assisted in fire fighting efforts.”

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The fire forced the evacuation of the Peace Regional Correctional Centre. RCMP say they contacted the Peace River School Division and requested buses to help transport 174 inmates to safety.

The buses went to various RCMP detachments including Peace Regional, Valleyview, High Prairie, Slave Lake, Lakeshore, and Spirit River before inmates were taken to other remand centres.

“Peace Regional RCMP would like to extend their appreciation to the quick response from Peace River School Division in providing buses, and especially to all of the bus drivers who went above and beyond their duties to aid in the evacuation of inmates,” said the RCMP in a statement.

Alberta Sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife, Alberta Forestry, Correctional Officers, Alberta Forestry, Peace River Fire Department, St. Isador Fire Department, Grimshaw Fire Department, Fairview Fire Department, water bombers and helicopters all helped with evacuation and firefighting efforts.

RCMP also provided additional officers from the Grande Prairie Traffic Unit, Western Alberta Districts Crime Reduction Unit, Western Alberta Districts General Investigation Services, Manning RCMP, Fairview RCMP, Mclennan RCMP, K Divisions Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, and Alberta’s Tactical Support Group.

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen said in an update on the province’s wildfire situation Wednesday that more fire bans were coming to areas of Alberta.

RCMP says if anyone sees a wildfire to report it by calling 310-3473 or 911.

-With files from Lauryn Heintz