Out-of-control wildfire spurs evacuation order for area near Whitecourt, Alta.
A wildfire burning out of control in north-central Alberta has triggered an evacuation order for part of Woodlands County, including the West Ridge subdivision.
An Alberta Emergency Alert was issued shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday to alert area residents to the evacuation order.
The fire is burning 3.5 kilometres south of Whitecourt, Alta., and is just one kilometre away from Highway 43, according to the Woodlands County website.
On its Facebook page, the county said the evacuation order is in effect for people "south of Highway 43, from the West Ridge subdivision, east to and including Range Road 111A in Woodlands County."
The fire is estimated to be one hectare in size.
All residents in the area must leave immediately, and take pets, important documents and medication.
Officials said evacuees should register at a reception centre that has been set up at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt.
CBC News spoke to Whitecourt Mayor Ray Hilts on Monday evening. He said as of 7 p.m., 50 wildfire evacuees had registered at the town’s reception centre and that the evacuation order is currently believed to be affecting about 30 homes.
More to come.
Thumbnail courtesy of Jeff Undag via CBC.
The story was originally written by Emily Rae Pasiuk and published for CBC News.