A massive fire broke out north of Hilda, Alta., and spread to Burstall, Sask., on Tuesday afternoon and evening. --Southern Alberta Newspapers photo Justin Seward
The wildfire that raged north of Hilda beginning on Tuesday afternoon and continued into Wednesday morning has been put out.
Alberta Emergency Alert updated the situation just after 9 a.m. Wednesday. Electric and gas utility companies are in the area to ensure its safety. The evacuation order issued yesterday remains in effect and Cypress County will advise residents when it is safe to return.
Cypress County Emergency Services and fire crews remain on scene. Within the county traffic on Highway 41 North has been re-opened in both directions.
In Saskatchewan, evacuation orders have been lifted for Burstall, Mendham, the RM of Deerforks #232 and Leader.
At least four farms were confirmed lost in the fierce wildfire which burned through Hilda country. Driven by gale force winds the scale of the disaster is incalculable, said Cypress County deputy fire chief John McBain just before press time last night.
“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.”
Hilda area farmer Andy Kirschenman was forced to evacuate his home to Medicine Hat.
“It was the fastest moving fire I have ever seen,” confirmed Kirschenman.
As of 8 p.m. Tuesday night, Hilda residents were ordered to be evacuated to the Schuler Hall where there was food and water provided. Acadia Valley and Empress were also evacuated in the evening by Oyen RCMP, while authorities shut power off to Cypress Hills to avoid providing even further ways for fires to spark.
“Freaked out,” said newly elected Hilda/Schuler Coun. Michelle McKenzie of the feeling around the area all afternoon.
— with files from Tim Kalinowski and Justin Seward
