Residents prepare to evacuate as Devil's Head fire rages out of control

Six a.m. this morning alerts went out to residents on Hwy. 40 to be prepared to evacuate if the Devil's Head fire continues to move east.

Aided by high winds, the fire jumped across a gorge to a plateau of fresh fuel in the east, something wildfire crews were attempting to prevent. It has now grown to 3,624 ha. Much of its extremities are extinguished or left with no fresh fuel, but its movement east remains the biggest concern for wildfire officials.

The MD of Bighorn has declared a state of emergency and advised residents to be prepared to evacuate on Richard's Road, Hwy. 40, Summer Village of Waiparous, Benchlands, Richard's and Pears Road, Ghost Country Place, and West Jamieson Road.

David Smith and his family, who have had a home in Benchlands for 25 years, were among those loading up a vehicle early this morning in case there is a need to evacuate.

"We gathered up our important stuff, and if we have to evacuate, we'll grab the dog and our important stuff and head down Hwy. 40 like everyone else."

"There is smoke in the area and there were cinders and ash in the air last night, so we kind of knew it was coming."

He says it's the first time they've been threatened with the need to evacuate, but his family continues to stay calm.

"It is what it is, you know. Nature is a force you can't control, so you have to live with it. That fire was started by somebody not putting their campfire out, and that's the consequences of Crown Land not being well managed by the government and not well taken care of by the people who are camping out there."

Those with livestock in the area have bigger issues and are making plans to move them should the fire continue to head eastward. Some of that livestock would be brought to Cochrane and area, if necessary.

Even in Cochrane, the flare up caught the attention of residents on the west end of town.

Bill and Addie Cooper, of Heritage Hills, first spotted the fire from their home around 8:30 p.m. last night.

"You'd swear it was like a sunset, it was so bright," says Bill.

"When that wind was blowing, those flames seemed like they were hundreds of feet in the air. It was just crazy."