***Town of High Level Press Release***
As of 1:30 p.m. July 1, 2021, the West Fraser log yard fire is now 100 per cent under control and fire crews are expected to demobilize early this afternoon.
A ring of heavy water cannons encircles the area where the fire took place and will remain there for the time being to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.
The High Level Fire Department and Alberta Wildfire will retain a command presence on scene to oversee the final parts of this operation, but the rest of the fire crews are heading home for some much-deserved rest.
High Level Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief Rodney Schmidt praised the work of fire crews over the past several days, noting the operation was very efficient and the work went smooth in spite of having to fight the fire in soaring summer temperatures.
The Town of High Level would like to thank all of the firefighters and contractors who assisted with the fire, including regional fire departments in Fort Vermilion, La Crete, Slave Lake, and Peace River.
The contractors and their specialized equipment as well as West Fraser staff were also a big part of the operation.
And thanks to Alberta Wildfire, who worked closely with fire crews during the event. These partnerships are essential to providing successful fire service in the region.
As of 9:00 p.m. June 30, 2021, the West Fraser log yard fire is being held and has been 100% contained.
The fire crews used heavy water cannons throughout the day in the extreme heat conditions.
In result, the fire is contained as well as the fire front.
With the extremely warm weather conditions it posed significant challenges for the firefighters as it required a number of safety precautions including spending more time out of the sun, staying properly hydrated, and reducing workloads.
Click here to see previous updates on the West Fraser log yard fire in High Level.
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
