Innisfail RCMP is advising motorists to exercise extreme caution on rural roads and highways due to increasing numbers of animals being struck.
Mounties were called to five motor-vehicle collisions with animals between Jan. 30 and Feb. 6.
Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Don Morrish said from February 3 to 5 the local detachment was called to motor vehicle/animal collisions on Twp. Rd. 355, Highway 540, Twp. Rd. 354 and Highway 816.
He said in each case a deer was killed in the collision. There were no injuries to any of the motorists but their vehicles sustained minor damage.
ìBe aware, especially at night, that animals are out,î said Morrish. ìThey (animals) are more prone to be out and get struck in winter and there is less light as motorists come on to them. With the icy conditions it's also harder for animals to get off the road. Their response time is slower.î
Morrish added the recent cold snap has created more extreme icy conditions on the roads, which resulted in 18 other non-animal related collisions on town streets and rural roadways. He said there were no serious injuries in any of the motor vehicle accidents, some of which resulted in rollovers.
ìThese were mostly caused by icy conditions and the constantly changing weather patterns we have been experiencing,î said Morrish.
Gas leak contained
Penhold Fire Department was called last week to investigate a natural gas leak from a building that was close to the Jessie Duncan Elementary School.
Jim Pendergast, the town's fire chief, said the report came in shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 5. He said Penhold Fire Department crews were dispatched to a building at 144 Lincoln St.
Pendergast said firemen, with the assistance of ATCO gas crews, located a leak on the west side of the building.
Penhold fire crews secured a perimeter around the leak and also closed Lincoln Street to all traffic with the assistance of Penhold community peace officers, said Pendergast.
He said residents along Lincoln Street, as well as the staff at the school, were notified of the gas leak and asked to avoid the area.
Pendergast said ATCO gas crews quickly contained the leak and the cause is currently under investigation.
He said Penhold fire crews were on scene for 90 minutes and there were no injuries reported from the incident.
