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Vol. 20, No. 16, Wednesday, January 22, 2025 www.LamontLeader.com
Mundare fire Two trailers burst into flames at campground At least one man is left homeless after blaze BY JANA SEMENIUK At least one man has been left homeless after a fire broke out at the campground in Mundare on Jan. 19, destroying two trailers. The man named Dean, who lived at the park said he is devastated after losing his trailer in the fire. “I’ve lost everything,” he said. Lamont County Communications Coordinator Jay Zaal said by email the temperature was -32 when emergency crews were dispatched to the fire. “Crews from Mundare, Chipman and Lamont attended an RV fire (two trailers) this morning around 3:20 and worked to contain the fire in the -32degree weather,” he said. “EMS, (Vegreville) RCMP and ATCO attended the scene. Cause not yet determined, one occupant treated by EMS and transported to hospital.” Zaal said the other trailer was not occupied at the time of the fire. Rick Sabin, who lives across the street from the campground, said he woke up to flashing lights and an orange glow reflecting on his bedroom curtains at 3:47 a.m.
“When I woke up, I just saw the curtain flashing. I didn't hear sirens until I looked up out the window, (at) 3:47 a.m. when I got up,” he said. Sabin added that he saw huge flames coming from the trailers and felt lucky the wind never picked up. “If it was windy like a few days ago, I think those flames probably would have caught the middle trailers and possibly the outside ones, plus the vehicles there.” Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla gave what comments he could around the fire. “The town was shocked to learn of the fire that destroyed two trailers in the MRC campground and feel terrible for everyone involved,” he said by email. “We cannot comment on what happened as Lamont County Emergency Services is investigating the incident.” In a follow up email, Zaal said there are so far no dollar estimates to the amount of damage. In addition, he said the cold did not hamper emergency crews’ response times or hinder their efforts to fight the fire.
The scene in Mundare on Jan. 19 as a fire rages in the campground destroying two trailers. Photos: Rick Sabin