Officials with the provincial government said Monday that a section of northern Alberta were being threatened by a wildfire – and residents were being urged to evacuate.
The province said a wildfire was burning out of control at about kilometre 33 on the Old Smith Highway. The fire is located about 25 kilometres east of Slave Lake.
The fire is estimated to be about 500 hectares in size.
The province said homes are being threatened and RCMP are evacuating residents.
Officials said residents within 15 kilometres on either side of Mortonville are being evacuated.
The province said evacuees can head to the MD of Lesser Slave River office.
Late Monday evening, officials with the MD announced a state of local emergency had been declared in the area:
UPDATE AT 5:41 PM. A State of Local Emergency has been declared along the Old Smith Highway. Please obey authorities and evacuate the area.
— MD 124 (@RUGGEDandREAL) May 25, 2015
The province is asking people to report any fires they see by calling 310-FIRE.
Residents call call the MD of Lesser Slave River at 780-849-4888 for evacuation information.
