FORT MACLEOD, Alta. — Bloodshot eyes were a common physical characteristic Jan. 7 as Rick Labiuk, Gunter Kotke and Eric Eremenko talked at Labiuk’s acreage about the effects of a Jan. 4 wildfire.
They watched a backhoe start clean-up work on the remains of Labiuk’s two shops, vehicles, trailers, tools and antiques, compared information on losses and rubbed eyes made red from smoke as they battled fire in previous days.
Labiuk came close to losing his home. Kotke and Eremenko lost their stockpiled hay but their homes were also saved. Four homes were burned by a fire east of Nanton that occurred the same day.
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Near Fort Macleod, the 67 kilometre long fire spared homes but destroyed a horse training operation, various outbuildings and miles of fences.
“We didn’t lose any outbuildings per se,” said Eremenko, who was busy replacing fences Jan. 5 so that the family’s 75 cattle could return home.
“We lost our haystack, 400 and some bales. To the extent of some of the other neighbours, we were fortunate. We’re happy that first of all nobody was injured. That’s the biggest thing.”
Neighbours helping neighbours was the theme both during the fire and afterward. Fire departments from 12 municipalities did battle. People showed up with horse trailers to move livestock.
Hutterite colonies, excavating companies and people with water trucks came out to fight fires driven by winds in excess of 100 km/h.
Now, after the smoke has cleared, neighbours are helping neighbours clean up and get on with their lives and their work. Riviere’s Construction and Campbell Cats were both donating labour and equipment at Labiuk’s 15-acre property.
Labiuk discovered the answer to the question of what he would grab if his house were threatened. He took his deed and insurance papers and tried to get the pets.
“I just threw the drawers in the back of the car,” he said about seeing the flames roar closer. His 14-year-old Lab jumped in the car but his other dog wouldn’t. It survived.
“I whipped out of here and went and told my wife what was probably going to happen. We were going to lose the house. It sort of shocked her a bit,” said Labiuk.
Insurance will cover some of the expense and by last weekend he had already visited his banker.
Eremenko said the experience has given him new appreciation for those who cope with even larger disasters and illustrates the value of good neighbours.
“We’re just helping as best we can to get everybody back on their feet. You help out as best you can. You go to the closest ones and work your way out. That’s kind of what we’re doing right now.”
Dry, windy conditions persist in southwestern Alberta. Fire bans are in effect in most municipalities.
Cynthia Vizzutti, chief administrative officer for the Municipal District of Willow Creek, which fell victim to both fires, cautioned people about using any sources of ignition, and to refrain from throwing cigarette butts from vehicle windows.
