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A wildfire burning in Barrhead County, northwest of Edmonton, triggered an evacuation order for some parts of the municipality on Thursday afternoon.
Shortly before 5 p.m., an Alberta Emergency Alert said the county had issued a state of local emergency because of the fire.
“There are structural fires in the Summerlea subdivision near Thunder Lake, approximately 20 kilometres west of Barrhead,” county officials said, adding the alert is in effect for the Summerlea subdivision.
“Residents in the Summerlea subdivision must evacuate immediately.”
The risk of wildfires is often present in Alberta. And with it, comes the possibility of being forced to flee your home on short notice. The CBC’s Tristan Mottershead dives into how you can be as efficient as possible if that happens.
Those forced to flee their homes were being asked to take Highway 18 and head to the county’s office in the town of Barrhead at 5306 49th St.
Wildfire evacuees were asked to register once they arrive.
“All residents should avoid travelling near this area,” county officials said.
Thunder Lake is located about 150 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
More to come.
