Sage Creek fire not growing

The Sage Creek fire, formerly known as the Wise Creek fire, has not reached the Alberta border and it has not increased in size, MD of Pincher Creek officials said Wednesday afternoon.

They say the fire is about 1,148 hectares and burning in remote terrain. Fire suppression resources, between both B.C. Wildfire and Alberta Wildfire, include 69 firefighters, eight helicopters, heavy equipment and one air tanker.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), has stood down, but will reactivate should the situation change.

The hot weather forecasted may provide challenges to the suppression crews, officials said. But heavy equipment will continue constructing dozer lines and crews will support with pump and hose, while aerial suppression will continue to limit further spread along the perimeter.

The south side of the fire is burning upslope and connecting with the fuel break from the Kenow Mountain wildfire.

Officials also said that smoke continues to be visible in the area from multiple fires and that a precautionary air quality advisory remains in effect for southwest Alberta.

Residents with livestock adjacent to the southeast section of Castle Wildland Park should continue to be aware of the fire status and check official information sources regularly. A document on preparing livestock for evacuation is available on the MD website.

It is recommended residents have a 72-hour emergency kit available, in the event of evacuations, and residents are strongly encouraged to check that their fire insurance is up to date.

Residents are strongly encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app and to monitor official information channels to ensure accurate information.

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