Tuesday afternoon, Peace Regional RCMP responded to a wildfire in the area of Highway 684, near Shaftsbury Trail and Bricks Hill in the MD of Peace.
RCMP members immediately went to action, attending all homes most directly affected in efforts of evacuation.
With the fires getting closer to Peace Regional Correctional Centre, Peace Regional RCMP contacted the Peace River School Division, requesting buses to proactively transport 174 inmates in the facility to safety. Peace Regional RCMP would like to extend their appreciation to the quick response from Peace River School Division in providing buses, and especially to all of the bus drivers who went above and beyond their duties to aid in in the evacuation of inmates.
Peace Regional RCMP then assisted by escorting transportation buses to RCMP detachments such as Peace Regional, Valleyview, High Prairie, Slave Lake, Lakeshore, Spirit River, where inmates were temporarily held until transfer could be made to other remand centres around the province. RCMP have also assisted with providing members to maintain guarding of these prisoners where Correctional Officers were unable to remain.
Peace Regional RCMP would also like to extend appreciation to the quick evacuation responses of community members in the area, assistance by local farmers, and to all emergency services who assisted in fire fighting efforts.
Community members are reminded to avoid coming to the area of the wildfire, if at all possible, to ensure the safety of themselves and all emergency responders involved.
Report wildfire activity immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473), or 911.
Up to date information on the current wildfire and evacuation information can be found at https://mdpeace.com or https://srd.web.alberta.ca/peace-river-area-update
Information provided by the Peace Regional RCMP
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