After a 7 hector wildfire that left many members from the Cold Lake First Nation (CLFN) evacuated on May 4th, preparations of clearing out brush to make fire breaks within the nation.
From a media release from CLFN, the fire was first reported at 3:28 p.m. prompting swift action from local firefighter officials. The wildfire was burning from east to west in the southeast section of Cold Lake First Nations 149, affecting everyone south of Township Road 614 and up to Range Road 424.
Fire Damage from the seven hector fire in Cold Lake First Nation (Photo Credits – CLFN)
Windspeaker Radio Network spoke with Cold Lake First Nation Fire Chief Darrell McCaig about what measures his team is taking with the preparations to prevent future fires breaking out within the CLFN.
McCaig goes on to say that the government of Alberta needs to step in to aid First Nation reserves that are in need of landmaps, funding, training and necessary equipment in order to fight the wildfires themselves.
Following a busy weekend of fighting the 7 hector fire with 20 volunteers from the CLFN Fire Department, and the aided help from the Cold Lake Fire Rescue providing 25 members, Fire Chief McCaig says that his team is now feeling reprieved and thankful towards his members and other firefighters that continue to answer the call to fight fires across the province.
