SWAN HILLS, Alta. (CP) -- Firefighters hoped rain and cooler temperatures will help them gain control of the largest wildfire to hit northern Alberta so far this year.
Flames from the raging fire which broke out Tuesday near the town of Swan Hills came within metres of Pengrowth Petroleum's Judy Creek gas plant but were beaten back by a fleet of eight water bombers.
``Thankfully, it went around the facility,'' said Bob Hodgins, the company's chief financial officer.
By Wednesday evening, flames had spread across 1,000 hectares of forest, but were moving away from the community of about 2,000 people.
``The townspeople were getting a little worried,'' said Swan Hills Mayor Gary Pollock.
``A few people looked at the smoke, loaded their kids in the holiday trailer and set off down the road. But a lot of the people here are old hands at this and they knew the wind was in our favour.''
While the wildfire no longer posed a threat, the plant located about 220 km northwest of Edmonton remained closed because power supply to the area was spotty, Hodgins said.
The cause of the blaze, dubbed the Freeman River Fire, was being investigated, said provincial wildfire spokesman Patrick Loewen.
He said rain showers and easterly winds were helping 144 firefighters battle the blaze.
The fire had been out of control, but was being held late Wednesday.
``It's really important for people to be aware of the fact it is quite dry out there,'' Loewen said. ``It doesn't take much to get a fire going.''
More rain was expected in the Swan Hills area Thursday.
