A fast-moving grass fire that caused the temporary closure of Highway 63 on April 25 was caused by an illegal campfire, fire investigators have confirmed.
Fort McMurray fire crews responded on Friday after receiving reports of a large plume of smoke in the Quarry Ridge gulley shortly before 3 p.m. Firefighters reported a large, active grass fire that was being quickly pushed by high winds. Within minutes, the fire reached the highway.
Firefighters, supported by helicopters and fixed wing aircraft from Alberta Wildfire attacked the fire, and with the help of water bombers were able to bring the flanks under control. Highway 63 was fully reopened shortly after 4:30 p.m.
It was determined that the fire started on Ridge Trail and was caused by a campfire that had been left unattended and improperly extinguished.
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