On May 29th the Chuckegg Creek wildfire travelled 30 kilometers toward the community of Paddle Prairie, and jumped the Peace River into the Tompkins/Blue Hills area. The fire grew by 100,000 hectares due to heat and strong winds.
As the fire progressed towards Paddle Prairie a crew of over 30 structural firefighters with the assistance of several Paddle Prairie locals set up sprinkler systems and moved flammable debris away from homes in the community.
In spite of the success carried out by many to preserve the main core of the community, 15 homes were lost throughout the settlement. The crews were able to save the centre township of the Métis Settlement: approximately 100 homes, the arena, RCMP building, school, Settlement office and more.
