Mandatory evacuation order remains in effect as Redwater wildfire flares
Wildfire is burning near Redwater Provincial Recreation Area
An evacuation order Sturgeon County issued Tuesday afternoon remains in place for homes northeast of the town of Redwater, Alta., due to the threat of wildfires.
The wildfire, which started over the weekend, is burning near the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area.
Fire officials warned that there was a chance of high fire activity due to wind and dry conditions and the bounds of the evacuation order fluctuated throughout the evening Tuesday as crews battled the flames.
According to an alert issued shortly after 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, the evacuation order is still in effect for Range Road 213 east to Range Road 203 and between Township Road 580 south to Township Road 573.
Everyone forced to evacuate should head to the reception centre at Pembina Place, in Redwater, about 65 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.
The fire covers 1,500 hectares as of Tuesday at 8:20 p.m., up from 408 hectares the day before.
At 9:10 p.m. an evacuation order was issued for Thorhild County for everyone living on Range Roads 203-211 and Township Roads 580-584. There is a reception centre for evacuees at Thorhild Community Hall. The county has also issued a state of local emergency.
Residents are being asked to bring important documents and medication. They are also advised to prepare to be away from home for at least three days.