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The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies has announced that there are facilities available for wildfire evacuees, several of those facilities are in Rocky View County and neighbouring Mountain View County.
On its website, The Agricultural Society has a map with the location details, as well as what the facilities include and contact details.
Currently, there is a facility in Carstairs for evacuees at the Carstairs Rodeo Grounds / Carstairs and District Ag Society. According to the description on the website, the Carstairs and District Agricultural Society has camping, trailer space and livestock, while the rodeo grounds inside the Town of Carstairs have livestock pens.
"No campground but there is space for trailers and campers - not serviced. Water is available for livestock," the website stated.
Didsbury is also listed on the website, with the description stating that Didsbury Agricultural Society has an indoor and outdoor arena, livestock pens, as well as a stabling barn.
Cochrane's District AG Society is listed as well, including a description that says there is camping, trailer space, and livestock.
* UPDATED 2:30pm *
— AB Ag Societies (@abagsocieties) July 25, 2024
We have SIXTY (60 ) Agricultural Societies offering space at their facilities to Wild Fire Evacuees.
Please see map below for available spaces for evacuees, campers, trailers and livestock.https://t.co/01dVtA4GcM@CBCNews @CTVNews @globalnews @630CHED pic.twitter.com/5b2R1XFpW2
"We are not a campground but have offered overnight, unserviced accommodation for participants of events so would be able to offer the same in the event of an emergency."
Olds is also listed. The Olds Regional Exhibition has camping, trailer space, as well as livestock.
In addition to the Agricultural societies opening their door, several local fire departments have deployed their members to Jasper, including the Carstairs Fire Department, Olds Fire Department, Beiseker Fire Department, as well as Didsbury's Fire Department.
Currently, the wildfire burning northwest of Airdrie near Water Valley, which Alberta Wildfire has dubbed as the Fallentimber wildfire, is still classified as out-of-control. It is currently estimated at 82.9 hectares.
"Crews on site were able to map the wildfire today and provide a more accurate assessment of size. The wildfire did not grow significantly overnight. 23 wildland firefighters, 2 helicopters, heavy equipment and two water trucks are working to suppress this wildfire," Alberta Wildfire stated on Thursday.
Heavy equipment once again worked through the night establishing guard.
"Cooler temperatures, higher humidities and light precipitation are helping to decrease the fire behaviour [Thursday]."
According to the MD of Bighorn, an area closure is in effect in the immediate area surrounding the fire and an evacuation alert is in effect for residents in the MD of Bighorn west of Water Valley (Doc Mills Road (RR62A), Whispering Pines Road (TWP 294A), and Burnt Timber Road.
"Under an evacuation alert residents should be prepared to evacuate on one hour notice," the MD stated.
Road closures are in effect on Highway 579 (Harold Creek Road), Highway 40, Burnt Timber Road, and Stud Creek Road. Persons should check Alberta 511 for updated road closure information.
"Although no persons are required to evacuate at this time, a reception centre has been established at the Water Valley Community Hall for any persons requiring additional information or assistance."
The City of Calgary's reception centre at Shouldice Arena (1515 Home Road Northwest) for Jasper wildfire evacuees includes support such as:
- Accommodations
- Pet support
- RV sites
- Washrooms
- Temporary parking
- Health Resources
- Clothing
- Personal hygiene items
During a provincial wildfire update, Premier Danielle Smith estimated that there may be anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent structural damage within the town of Jasper.
Earlier this week, in response to questions from Airdrie residents about whether The City of Airdrie would accept evacuees from Jasper, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor Darrell Belyk stated on social media that the city's Emergency Management Department had relayed to him that the request to open a reception center for an evacuated community would come from the Provincial Emergency Coordination Center (PECC).
"This ensures that any reception center operates under provincial guidance and maintains the appropriate records for such an emergency. So far, the PECC has requested the City of Calgary to host a reception center for the evacuees from Jasper, and Airdrie has not been requested," Deputy Mayor Belyk added.
There are 176 wildfires currently burning across Alberta. Of these wildfires, 54 are classified as out of control, 49 are being held, and 73 are under control. Since July 24, there have been 20 new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area.
The province added that it currently has nearly 1,900 personnel, 156 helicopters and 21 aircraft responding to wildfires across the province.
"In addition to provincial resources, Alberta has imported firefighters, support staff and equipment from other jurisdictions to support wildfire response and suppression efforts.
Although lightning has caused more than half of wildfires burning today, the other half are caused by people. Albertans are urged to prevent any additional fire starts that will add to the already extreme wildfire situation.
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