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MD of Pincher Creek issues proactive evacuation alert

Aug 10, 2018 | 2:52 PM

Pincher Creek–The MD of Pincher Creek isn’t taking any chances.  It has issued a proactive Evacuation Alert because of the Sage Creek forest fire currently burning in B.C..  The fire has not crossed the Alberta border but due to the extreme heat the alert has been issued.  

The alert covers residents in Castle Mountain Resort, West Castle Valley, South Castle Valley, and all areas south of Highway 774 from the turn off to Beaver Mines Lakes to Castle Mountain resort.

Barricades will be placed along Highway 774, at the turn off to Beaver Mines Lake Road.

Residents choosing to leave the area are asked to call 1-855-627-5365 and leave a message.

Earlier today, Alberta Parks issued an area closure for portions of the Castle Valley in Castle Wildland Provincial Park.

The closure is for the West Castle Valley to the east and south of Castle Mountain Resort and the South Castle Valley south of designated camping area no. 3.

Alberta Parks is concerned that it would be difficult to evacuate the remote backcountry area under emergency circumstances.

The remote terrain is making fighting the Sage Creek Fire challenging.  There are 69 firefighters from Alberta and B.C., right helicopters, one air tanker, and heavy equipment tackling the blaze.