Extreme winds caused fires to burn out of control, destroying several farmyards and prompting evacuations in multiple communities in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
There was also tragedy, as a volunteer firefighter died fighting a wildfire near Hilda, AB. Cypress County confirmed James Hargrave of the Walsh Fire Department died in the line of duty on Tuesday night. Hargrave was a young rancher, who served as a director-at-large for the Western Stock Growers Association and a former delegate for Alberta Beef Producers. (A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist his family.)
With an intense low pressure system tracking east, much of the prairie region was or still is under a wind warning issued by Environment Canada, with wind gusts exceeding 100km/h in many areas.
In southern Alberta, there were evacuation notices or states of emergency declared due to wildfires near Acadia Valley, Airdrie, Coleman, Empress, Gleichen/Strathmore, Hilda, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Wheatland County and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. In Saskatchewan, the town of Burstall, the RM of Deerforks and town of Leader were all evacuated and Highway 21 was closed.
Some of the evacuation notices have since been lifted. Fortunately there was also some rain in some areas overnight, helping mitigate the fire risk.
My heart breaks for the family of James Hargrave, a well respected young Alberta rancher. I count myself lucky to have met him. #RIP pic.twitter.com/MDPqZOntRw
— Oneil Carlier (@oneilcarlier) October 18, 2017
Some photos of the fires and damage caused by the extreme winds:
My view at one point of fire right on the SASK/ AB border. This wind made fighting by hand impossible.People I know lost farms today. pic.twitter.com/7JroPRxvQY
— Pat Kunz (@pat_kunz) October 18, 2017
Fighting a loosing battle. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/VfKckGDkee
— Kelly Herter (@krherter) October 18, 2017
Very dangerous driving conditions. Fire trying to jump the road and 0 visibility south of Bredenbury, SK. on Hwy 15 @PrairieChasers #skfire pic.twitter.com/89JUFHOoPL
— Sean Schofer (@SeanSchofer) October 17, 2017
Coulee fire at Lethbridge country club #Lethbridge #fire pic.twitter.com/NarUGLL5Tz
— LarryVee (@CODLARRYVEE) October 18, 2017
Wow what a wind train blown off trestle at Wainright!! pic.twitter.com/KdUE9Wopw1
— Laramie (@EybenFarms) October 18, 2017
Got this photo from my wife’s uncle. Happened just north of Trochu 2 miles. Heavy winds around 5pm tonight derailed about 50 cars. #abstorm pic.twitter.com/1Sk90rjfR5
— John Kowalchuk (@KowalchukFarms) October 18, 2017
Smoke from that fire viewed from Lemsford SK pic.twitter.com/410BLklBy0
— Jim Hale (@farmerjim79) October 17, 2017
Burstall,sk #wildfire pic.twitter.com/Avj2e2lbzS
— Keldon K. (@KKoolyk) October 17, 2017
Fire damage North of Estruary, Sk pic.twitter.com/c9sNGt6NoT
— Michael Theaker (@MikeJTheaker) October 18, 2017
Trees down and fallen lines across MB due to high winds. Stay away from downed lines for your safety. #mboutage https://t.co/5u2uQvcbqI pic.twitter.com/TInJ7K0hel
— Manitoba Hydro (@manitobahydro) October 18, 2017
