Photo Courtesy of Alex McCuaig - A fawn appears lost among the scorched earth near MacKay Creek on Sunday July 28, 2019.

By Alex McCuaig

Graburn Fire

Fire threat remains high as hot, dry temperatures forecast

Jul 28, 2019 | 8:56 PM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB – The grassfires which swept across southeastern Alberta over the weekend are still a threat, according to the county emergency director, as hotspots generated by the blazes potentially poising a risk with a forecast long spell of hot, dry and windy conditions set to descend on the region.

Kim Dalton, Cypress County emergency director, said two of the biggest of three fires – Graburn Road and Suffield – which hit the Medicine Hat area on Saturday were likely caused by flareups from blazes earlier last week.

“These high winds have created some challenges,” said Dalton, adding that a strategic use of resources was maintained to tackle the third wildfire that hit just outside of Irvine.

Photo Courtesy of Alex McCuaig – A ranch home near Graburn Road remains standing but the area completely surrounding the dwelling was charred following the fires which hit southeastern Alberta on Saturday July 27, 2019.

Dalton said the state of local emergency will remain in effect over the coming days to tackle many of the hotspots which still dot the charred prairie.

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“We have been fighting these fires for multiple days and it doesn’t look like it will let up,” he said. “Mother Nature is not going to be assisting us with that. I think we’re going to have seven to 14 days of high fire threat.”

No major structure damage is being reported though some outbuildings, haystacks and pasture were destroyed by the fires.

Several homes were threatened with firefighters and community volunteers able to suppress fires burning in the vicinity of built up areas.

More information from the county is expected to be released on Monday.