Peat, which researchers say has been drying out due to the changing climate, is contributing to how deep wildfires are getting and how long they could potentially smoulder.
EDMONTON A local state of emergency remains in effect as Parkland County firefighters continue their efforts to contain the wildfire west of Tomahawk, Alta. According to Parkland County officials, the fire continues to be held and is approximately 75 per cent contained. The fire near Tomahawk started last Thursday and forced hundreds from their homes. A special air quality statement from Environment Canada remains in place Friday for Lac Sainte Anne County, Morinville, Mayerthorpe, Evansburg, Onoway, Stony Plain, Wabamun, and Spruce Grove as smoke from the fire near Tomahawk continues to billow. “Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath,” the air quality statement read.
EDMONTON Thick black smoke poured out of the Expocrete Manufacturing Centre west of Edmonton Wednesday afternoon as firefighters battled a blaze inside. Crews could be seen monitoring the fire from a ladder truck above, while firefighters attacked the flames through an entrance obstructed from the main road. The call came in around 3:30 p.m. and RCMP, Parkland County Fire Services, Peace Officers, ATCO and Fortis were all on scene. “Crews arrived to find heavy smoke emitting from the structure. They had a kilning room that has styrofoam walls that ignited,” Parkland County Fire Chief Brian Cornforth said. “Crews did an interior attack and took in large volume water, and extinguished the fire and then began ventilation on that fire,” Cornforth said just before 5 p.m.