Highway 22 south of Chain Lakes is now open. The highway closed yesterday afternoon at Secondary Highway 520 after a grassfire broke out in the MD of Ranchland.
Highway 22 south of Chain Lakes is now open.
The highway closed yesterday afternoon at Secondary Highway 520 after a grassfire broke out in the MD of Ranchland.
According to Crowsnest Pass RCMP, the wildfire remains out of control, yet landowners evacuated yesterday can obtain a permit from the MD to authorize re-entry via Chimney Rock Road.
At this time, there are no reported losses of structures due to the fire. Conditions remain very dry with an extreme fire risk in the area.
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A grassfire gaining speed just south of Chain Lakes has emergency crews on alert for possible evacuation and road closures on Highway 22 south of Longview.
Turner Valley RCMP Staff Sgt. Dwayne Helgeson said some of his crew is heading south to assist Pincher Creek and Nanton area emergency crews with traffic control after learning about a grassfire that's blowing east, south of Chain Lakes in the Chimney Rock area.
“We are going to help them on the north side of things,” he said. “The fire is actually coming up to (Highway) 22.”
The MD of Ranchland has confirmed that Highway 22 is closed at Secondary Highway 520 due to reduced visibility, high winds and the fire having reached the highway.
Helgeson said it has all unfolded in the last hour.
“We are recommending people that don't need to be there, to stay out of the area and pay attention to the radio and listen for any warnings,” he said. “If the fire is approaching you and you feel you're at risk get out of the area right away. It's ranch land so you have to be careful not to be caught up in a coulee or dead-end road.”
