(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By Sheldon Spackman

No damage or injuries

Investigators looking into cause of brush fire on Red Deer’s north hill

May 9, 2025 | 8:41 AM

Investigators are looking into the cause of a brush fire along the west side of Red Deer’s north hill Thursday afternoon.

Evan Stewart, assistant deputy chief, Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES), says crews were called to an outside fire in the trees at 4:27 p.m. on May 8, 2025.

Upon arrival, Stewart says they saw quite a bit of smoke behind an apartment building on 60 Street/Riverside Drive, in the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood.

“You could tell that the fire was extending up the slope towards the apartment buildings at the top,” he explained. “We had a brush truck dispatched at the time of the fire as well too that was directed to the top of the hill to go and do what’s called structure protection and make sure there was some protection between the wild land fuels and the structures at the top of the hill.”

Crews at the top of the north hill to help protect homes from the brush fire below. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

19h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

Upon determining more resources were needed, Stewart says a second engine arrived to assist at the base of the hill with fire control and the fire.

“We had a platoon chief arrive on scene to help manage the incident and we had a couple of Red Deer County resources as well,” added Stewart, noting it was a busy afternoon for RDES.

“When this call came in, we had resources on three other emergencies in the city, so we relied on our mutual aid partner-Red Deer County and they brought two crews in and assisted at the top of the hill as well as down here at the base.”

Stewart says fortunately, there was no damage to any structures.

“Crews were very quick and effective in making sure the fire didn’t extend to either properties at the base of the hill or the top,” said Stewart. “There were no members of the public located on scene when we arrived and there’s obviously lots of folks seeing the smoke and paying attention to what was going on, but no injuries to report.”

Red Deer County Protective Services providing mutual aid along the north hill next to the brush fire below. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

Although a cause of the fire is yet to be determined, Stewart notes we are in what they call the “spring dip” here in Alberta in early May, so cautions residents to be mindful of their outdoor activities.

“All of our wild land fuels are extremely dry,” warned Stewart. “We can tell by the winds over the past few days, that adds drying of the fuels, but it also adds complexity with fire spread. So really, any small ignition source right now is going to start a fire in the wild land fuels, so I’m reminding the public to practice good fire safety habits.”

Stewart encourages residents to pay attention to fire bans, advisories, and restrictions and to call 9-1-1 if you see any smoke or fire in any wild land fuels in the city as quickly as possible.