PUBLIC NOTICE – Wildfire & Infrastructure Update
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025 2pm MST
Recurrence of South Camp Wildfire – Current Situation
A resurgence of the South Camp wildfire (first ignited May 6, 2025) was detected west of the original burn area. Public Works (PW) staff, Public Safety personnel, and the Siksika Nation Fire Department remain on‑site, working together to contain the fire and protect nearby homes, utilities, and natural resources.
Firefighting Operations Update
- May 9, 2025 crews were targeting remaining hot spots; however, shifting winds causes the fire to breach control lines.
- Heavy‑equipment assist: May 9, 2025 in the afternoon PW deployed a dozer into the bush and a grader to construct parallel earthen lines. These breaks halted the westward spread and formed a defensible perimeter.
- A second earthen line was cut near residences along the north side of the backwater, providing an added buffer for those homes.
- Command hand‑off: Chief Fire Officer will be off‑site Saturday, May 10. Wendell Calf Robe will coordinate certified Type 2 Wildland Firefighters for mop‑up operations on the Chief’s behalf. Full command resumes Sunday, May 11.
- Containment confidence: Drone surveillance indicates the fire is now effectively contained—thanks to the rapid arrival of PW heavy‑equipment operators.
- As of 2pm, May 10, 2025, crews are now holding and monitoring as the fire advances slowly toward these breaks, which will be extinguished as hot spots emerge, including Level 1&2 Wildland Firefighters that stepped forward after yesterdays’ call.
Infrastructure & Utilities Status
Power Distribution
- An additional seven power poles will require replacement near late Ricky Running Rabbit’s former residence.
- Utility provider Fortis will be on‑site Monday, May 12, 2025 to repair all damaged or downed poles.
- Crews continue to patrol for hazards; keep a safe distance from any fallen lines and report issues immediately.
Water Supply & Boil Water Advisory (BWA)
- Fire has damaged power to 4 of 6 water wells feeding the East Water Treatment Plant.
- PW Water & Wastewater (W&WW) Operators kept service running to all 277 east‑side homes by activating two auxiliary wells outside the impact zone.
- BWA remains in effect due to the brief pressure loss on May 6. The advisory is precautionary and applies only to drinking/cooking; bathing and hand‑washing are safe.
- Lab samples are in process; results are expected Sunday, May 11 from the Environmental Public Safety Officer. All in‑house tests remain within Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. An official update will follow upon receipt of lab‑confirmed results.
Need Assistance or Have Questions?
Siksika Emergency Public Safety Line: 403 734 3815 (24 hrs)
Follow @SiksikaNation and @SiksikaPublicSafety on social media for live updates.
Thank you to every Nation member, certified firefighter, and PW heavy‑equipment crew whose swift action has contained this blaze. Your dedication is safeguarding Siksika lands, homes, and critical infrastructure.
Further updates will be issued as new information becomes available.
Siksika Nation Public Works
