Fire crews say they have contained a wildfire that broke out around 2 p.m. yesterday on Stoney Nakoda Nation land approximately one kilometre west of Cochrane. Jory Jenson, a fire captain with Cochrane Fire Services, said the location of the wildfire made it difficult to access. Yesterday, he confirmed the fire on reserve land is not near to residents or any structures at this time. "It's a tough location to get at. We do have crews on the ground but it's a hill and river on one side and of course very difficult to take the fire on as it's coming up towards you," Jenson said. Fire crews from the Rocky View Fire Services and Stoney Nakoda Fire Services were also on the scene and were assisted by helicopters from Alberta Forestry. The fire grew to at least 15 hectares. Dan Finnerty, who previously worked for a contracted helicopter service fighting wildfires, said from his observation, the wind may have been a factor. "It's climbing up the pine trees like a matchstick," Finnerty said yesterday. "It's going pretty good. Finnerty explained that from his experience the black and brown smoke is likely from fresh growth and pine trees that are burning.
