Province working to extract firefighters trapped in northern Alberta as wildfires surge
A crew of eight firefighters are currently trapped in Chipewyan Lake and the province says they're working on a plan to extract them as severe wildfires rage across Alberta.
In a social media posted late Thursday night, Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said at approximately 8:20 p.m. wildland-urban interface crews temporarily lost radio contact while responding to a wildfire in the Chipewyan Lake located 450 km north of Edmonton. One team is currently sheltering at the fire station and another is safe at the school, designated the community's emergency shelter.
'We are working on a plan to extract all eight personnel using NVIS (night vision), though earlier attempts were limited by heavy smoke,' Loewen said.
Loewen said there are also indications of damage to structures in the community, but the full extent remains unknown said Loewen.
A mandatory evacuation order was issued on Wednesday for the community of Chipewyan Lake forcing residents to flee. There is currently a wildfire threatening the Chip and Alpac Road.
'We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Please continue to monitor official sources and stay safe,' Loewen said.
More to come
ctran@postmedia.com
X: @kccindytran
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