Travis Dosser
5/11/2012
A wildfire is scorching trees and grass alongside Highway 43 between Fox Creek and Edmonton.
Wildfire Information Officer Whitney Exton says at this time the blaze isn't threatening any buildings
"It was 20 Kilometers east of Fox Creek and was about 5 hectares in size," explains Exton. "RCMP closed Highway 43 while tankers were working and the Highway will reopen once it's deemed safe for Albertans."
She says investigators on scene to this fire don't believe it started naturally.
"There has been little lightning so far this season, so it is likely the fire was human caused and that means it is 100 per cent preventable," explains Exton.
Meanwhile, being stuck on Highway 43 wasn't all bad for some drivers. One caller to the newsroom says he saw water-bombers making passes overhead and that's been keeping him busy while traffic was at a standstill.
Exton says so far this year we have 41 fires burning across the province, and only one of those is listed as out of control. She says we're looking good compared to last year.
"The hectares burned this year are actually a little bit more to date than what was burnt at this time last year, but the number of fires is less."
Exton says as you venture outside for camping and other activities use extra caution and be sure you're not contributing to any blazes this season.
On the Net:
Wildfire Information Map
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