Evacuated residents can return to Traverse Bay after destructive forest fire

It’s now safe for evacuees to return to the site of a forest fire in Traverse Bay, according to the local municipality.

The Rural Municipality of Alexander said Monday that the blaze – which chased 40 to 60 people out of the area – is now completely open and safe for residents.

The RM said in a statement that five properties were destroyed as a result of the fire, and while no one was injured, three firefighters were treated on scene for heat exhaustion.

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Conservation officers were able to rescue two pets from the flames and reunite them with their owners.

Residents who suffered property damage – the destroyed properties were on Whitey Road and Springhill Road in the community – are asked to contact the RM office for help with property reassessment.

A fire ban remains in effect for the RM until further notice, with no burning of any kind permitted. Investigators are still looking into the cause of Friday’s fire.

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