A massive fire broke out north of Hilda, Alta., and spread to Burstall, Sask., on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The News has confirmed a line-of-duty death related to the fire. --Southern Alberta Newspapers photo Justin Seward
There has been a line-of-duty death related to the wildfire north of Hilda. Cypress County confirmed the death on Wednesday.
“It is with deep sadness that Cypress County confirms that James Hargrave, a firefighter with the Walsh Fire Station has passed away in the line of duty. James was very community minded and joined the fire services to help and protect residents far and near. He was a great father and will be dearly missed by his wife, children, extended family, friends, neighbors and fellow first responders,” a release states.
No further details will be released.
Local fire crews were called into action at 1 p.m. on Tuesday to tackle a wildfire that broke out northeast of Hilda and spread right into Burstall.
At least four farms were confirmed lost in the fierce wildfire which burned through Hilda country last night. Driven by gale force winds the scale of the disaster is incalculable, said Cypress County deputy fire chief John McBain.
“I can’t even say how many farms have been lost, but we have yard sites on fire,” said McBain. “I drove down the one road and there was lots of burned-up cows, yards and a lot of peoples’ livelihoods were lost today.”
The wildfire was put out at about 9 a.m. Wednesday.
— with files from Tim Kalinowski and Justin Seward
https://www.youcaring.com/lizhargrave-984979