Peace Regional RCMP are helping with a wildfire in the area of Highway 684, near Shaftsbury Trail and Bricks Hill around 1:30 p.m. on April 23.
RCMP members immediately went to action, attending all homes most directly affected in efforts of evacuation.
With the fires getting closer to Peace Regional Correctional Centre, Peace Regional RCMP contacted the Peace River School Division, requesting buses to proactively transport 174 inmates in the facility to safety. Peace Regional RCMP are would like to extend their appreciation to the quick response from Peace River School Division in providing buses, and especially to all of the bus drivers who went above and beyond their duties to aid in in the evacuation of inmates.
Peace Regional RCMP requested the assistance of the Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence Response (RAPID) program; with the approval of the RAPID program, Alberta Sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife came to assist. Additionally, assistance was received by Alberta Forestry, Correctional Officers, Alberta Forestry, Peace River Fire Department, St. Isador Fire Department, Grimshaw Fire Department, Fairview Fire Department, water bombers and helicopters assisted with scene containment, evacuation efforts, fire suppression and more.
The RCMP provided members from Grande Prairie Traffic Unit, Western Alberta Districts Crime Reduction Unit, Western Alberta Districts General Investigation Services, Manning RCMP, Fairview RCMP, Mclennan RCMP, K Divisions Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, and Alberta’s Tactical Support Group which deploys members from all over the province to assist in major events.
Peace Regional RCMP then assisted by escorting transportation buses to RCMP detachments such as Peace Regional, Valleyview, High Prairie, Slave Lake, Lakeshore, Spirit River, where inmates were temporarily held until transfer could be made to other remand centres around the province. RCMP have also assisted with providing members to maintain guarding of these prisoners where Correctional Officers were unable to remain.
Peace Regional RCMP would also like to extend appreciation to the quick evacuation responses of community members in the area, assistance by local farmers, and to all emergency services who assisted in fire fighting efforts.
Community members are reminded to avoid coming to the area of the wildfire if at all possible, to ensure the safety of themselves and all emergency responders involved.
The Peace Regional RCMP is remind the public to report any wildfires to 310-FIRE(3473), or to 911. Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to please contact the Peace Regional RCMP at 780-624-6611 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
