Courtesy of the Town of Rainbow Lake:
May 8 2023 – Ignition operations went well last night. On the west side of Town, Forestry was successful in burning back towards the fire creating a strong position to defend from. On the North side, ignition operations had to be halted due to a change in conditions. Today the winds will change to be driving in from the West. This will bring the Long Lake fire towards the Town on the West and North sides. We have a strong sprinkler protection plan in place for our homes on the North end with additional resources in from the Town of High Level assisting our Rainbow Lake Fire Department. Forestry will be laying retardant on the North side as a barrier to protect the Town. Heavy equipment crews will be working on the north side of Town as well as the South East where we are continuing work to ensure the safety of the Cenovus Plant and South side of the Town. Forestry has further ground resources deployed in the South East to create a barrier utilizing existing leases and cut blocks to make a line to deter the spread and protect that side and the plant. They will be supported by helicopters and additional resources as needed.
There will be some homes who need to have their gas meters reset and their hot waters tanks relit. We will not begin that operation until after the fire threat has passed. With these winds traveling from the West threatening the Town and after that potentially Highway 58 it is still too early to start planning on when it may be safe to return. Please stay safe and we will provide further updates as the event progresses.
