Wildfire in southern Alberta contained, wind remains a concern
Posted Dec 1, 2021 9:39 am.
Last Updated Dec 1, 2021 2:18 pm.
A wildfire that had been burning out of control south of Calgary, near Nanton, on the west side of Highway 22 is now being held. However, strong winds in the area are still cause for concern.
According to Alberta Wildfire, the blaze isn’t expected to grow further.
However, a spokesperson admits “strong winds in the area could prevent further progress to get the fire under control and then extinguished.”
The fire was burning amid strong winds Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to some evacuations. Those have since been rescinded.
Strong winds also fanned flames, creating challenges on the roads.
“I can smell the fire over at Parkland on Highway 2 and, yes, there is a grass fire on Highway 22 area, in the ranch land,” said one CityNews caller.
“Very scary with 127 kilometre an hour winds and the wide-open grass.”
A wildfire continues to burn West of Nanton, South-ish of #Calgary. Crews are trying to get it under control. The blaze mixed w/ winds up to 140kmph and spread, some residents were evacuated. Fire can't be seen from here but smoldering ash is visible in the distance.#Alberta #yyc pic.twitter.com/qnqMHHBa6b
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) December 1, 2021
The province notes some people in the area between Highway 533 and Chimney Rock Road are still being told to prepare to leave quickly if conditions change and winds shift.
A wind warning was issued for the city of Calgary Tuesday night, with westerly gusts up to 110 kilometres an hour expected. While the warning was rescinded, they remain up for much of southern Alberta, including south of Calgary.
04:53 EnvCanada ended #Wind warning #Calgary(OlympicPark) #ABStorm https://t.co/ZmTxIPIgqh
— Calgary(OlympicPark) (@ECAlertAB61) December 1, 2021
Other callers to CityNews say the conditions on the roads are dangerous, with winds whipping vehicles.
“I am in a one-tonne truck, I am bouncing three inches sitting on the road stopped. It is ridiculously windy, it is ridiculously dangerous for any semi or any sort,” said a driver.
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