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As firefighters made progress on battling an out-of-control wildfire east of Redwater this weekend, RCMP announced they arrested a man for allegedly tampering with sprinklers systems set up to protect homes in the area.
In a news release, RCMP said officers were conducting patrols Thursday when they noticed a man who appeared to be trespassing in an area under an evacuation order.
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“Upon further investigation, they learned that the man was tampering with sprinkler systems that were set up by the fire department to protect residences from wildfires, rendering them inactive,” the release said.
The suspect was arrested and charged are pending, RCMP said.
As for the wildfire itself, a social media post from Sturgeon County on Sunday said fire crews had been aided over the weekend by cloud cover and light rain.
“Firefighters were able to make good progress on containing the perimeter, with the support of helicopters. A crew of firefighters worked overnight to patrol and maintain structure protection around residences,” the post said.
Nonetheless, the wildfire is still classified as out of control at more than 3,200 hectares in size.
The county said an Alberta Wildfire team used a drone Saturday evening to conduct an infrared scan, which helps to pinpoint hot spots. Rain interrupted the scan before it was completed.
“We continue to hear concerns from evacuated residents about security of their homes, perishable goods, and animals, however the Redwater Recreation Fire remains an active fire,” the post said.
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“Residents evacuated from their homes area must stay away from the evacuation area. Enforcement officers will be patrolling the evacuation zone, anyone found in that zone without authorization could be charged. Persons entering the evacuation put themselves and emergency response staff at risk, which may draw resources away from the fire response.”
All evacuees are required to check in with a reception centre set up at the Morinville Leisure Centre, or by phone at 587-570-6610. Residents with general questions can call the information line at 587-200-3068.
Redwater is 60 km northeast of Edmonton.
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