A wildfire is currently blazing through a large area of Alberta’s foothills, with emergency officials advising backcountry users to steer clear of the affected zones. Situated in Clearwater County, northwest of Sundre, Alberta, the fire covers over 10 square kilometers, leading to evacuation orders for a significant wilderness area in the west of the province.
Spotted on Thursday, the flames rapidly grew due to strong winds from a severe spring storm. The uncontrolled wildfire is situated about 5 kilometers north of the James-Wilson Provincial Recreation Area and roughly 3 kilometers northwest of the Highway 584 junction in southern Clearwater County.
All campers and individuals within a 10-kilometer radius of Highway 734 near the Highway 584 junction have been evacuated following orders issued on Thursday. Access to the region has been restricted, and county officials emphasize that the area will remain off-limits until further notice.
Clearwater County has issued a wildfire alert along with an evacuation alert encompassing a 10-kilometer radius around the fire zone. The evacuation area includes properties west of Range Road 80 and north of the James River. The James-Wilson Provincial Recreation Area, including the campground, has been evacuated and closed until further notice.
While residents are not currently required to evacuate, they are advised to be ready to leave promptly if needed. With the start of the summer camping season during the May long weekend, authorities stress the importance of keeping the area clear for emergency responders.
Alberta Wildfire officials mentioned in an updated statement that lower temperatures and lighter winds in the forecast should assist crews in battling the fire. Additional resources, including firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopters, are working to contain the blaze, with water bombing crews aiding the effort.
Certain sections of Highway 40 are closed due to their proximity to the fire, with roadblocks set up at specific locations. RCMP have enforced a no-entry policy in the area while emergency teams are actively responding.
Inge Klis, operator of Bearberry Cabins in the Sundre area, noted guest cancellations due to the wildfire situation. The fire, the largest among 24 currently burning in Alberta, remains under investigation for its cause.
Meanwhile, residents near Whitecourt, Alberta, are gradually being allowed to return home after evacuation orders were issued earlier in the week. Evacuation orders are being lifted in parts of the West Ridge neighborhood as the fire threat diminishes.
Woodlands County officials reported that the fire near Whitecourt is now classified as being held, located approximately 3.5 kilometers southeast of Whitecourt and less than one kilometer south of Highway 43.