Smoke can be seen in Carmangay at approximately 3:15 p.m. Sunday, March 28 (Photo submitted by Andi Entz)

By Justin Goulet

Carmangay and Claresholm residents return home following Sunday wildfires

Mar 29, 2021 | 8:26 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It was an extremely busy Sunday for fire crews in southern Alberta, as well as its residents.

Multiple grass fires were reported across the region, with strong wind gusts causing challenges for responders.

READ MORE: Multiple grass fires across South-west Alberta shut down Highways and force evacuations

An Alberta Emergency Alert was initially issued at 3:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon, warning people in the M.D. of Willow Creek and Vulcan County of the alarming situation.

Both alerts have since been lifted. The alert for the M.D. of Willow Creek reported two wildfires east of Highway 2, between Stavely and Fort Macleod.

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An out-of-control wildfire moving north-east of Claresholm was pushed quickly by extreme wind gusts.

Residents of both Vulcan County and the M.D. of Willow Creek were told to prepare for a potential evacuation.

Hours later, residents in the communities of Claresholm and Carmangay were told to evacuate their homes.

The Village of Champion’s Community Hall was open to evacuating residents.

As of late Sunday, they were able to return to their residences.

Highway 520 near Range Road 264, east of Claresholm, was closed due to the fire response and drivers were asked to steer clear of Highway 23 between Barons and Carmangay. Both highways were reopened shortly before 7 p.m.

BLOOD RESERVE FIRE

A grass fire was also reported on the Blood Reserve, with smoke from that blaze impacting west Lethbridge. Highway 509 was closed to traffic.

Looking west from Cottonwood Park in Lethbridge to the Blood Reserve fire (Lethbridge News Now)

Shortly after 9 p.m., the Blood Tribe said on social media that the fire was contained. Blood Tribe Fire Chief Jacen Abrey stated that the fire “ran approximately 28 kilometres west to east and six kilometres south to north”.

About 15 homes were evacuated due to the fire. A temporary emergency shelter was set up at the Multi-Purpose Building in Standoff.

Abrey said the Blood Tribe received support from crews in Raymond, Coaldale and Magrath, Public Works, several Hutterite colonies and local farmers.

Crews will be on scene to monitor hot spots throughout the day Monday. The origin of the fire will be under review.