| Comments | Northern AB and Conklin, May 14 - June 7, 2002. The House River Fire was first spotted on May 17, 2002. It burned 248,243 hectares. The fire was approximately 100 km north of Lac La Biche. At its peak, 1,000 firefighters were on the fireline. The task was difficult given the strong and shifting winds and minimal precipitation. The fire perimeter was secured by June 7, 2002. This was Alberta's second largest forest fire since 1961. On May 27 the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo evacuated approximately 1,550 people. There were approximately 1,300 from work camps, and 250 from the community of Conklin. All individuals were allowed to return on June 8, 2002. |