Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) responded to a call for a grass fire at approximately 1:30 pm Sunday, March 21. The fire started in a stand of deciduous trees above the Drywood Creek bed on the south side of the creek about one and a half miles west of Waterton Dam, and spread toward the creek bed. The fire did come close to one structure, however the structure sustained no damage, and no injuries were reported. PCES was called back to the scene today, Monday, March 22 to take care of hot spots, an effort that took several hours.
PCES Chief Dave Cox said the perimeter of the fire was quickly contained. "There was a lot of mop-up," he said the because of the large area the fire covered and the risk factors due to the dry weather. "We currently have a fire advisory, along with a lot of other municipalities." Crews were on site well into the next day. The cured grass and lack of snow has made for hazardous conditions. Much of Alberta south of Drumheller, including the MD of Pincher Creek area, is currently under fire restrictions or bans. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
PCES responded with Tender, Engine 11, Engine 43, and an ambulance. Beaver Mines responded with Engines 31 and 71, and Lundbreck Fire also responded.