Chateh, Alta., evacuated again due to approaching wildfire

The community of Chateh has been evacuated once more, due to a wildfire burning nearby.

Officials issued an emergency alert Friday night, as the fire southeast of the community started moving north.

This is the second time in five months that the community of around 1,500 people has been evacuated.

A reception centre was set up in High Level at 98 Street and 98 Avenue. Evacuees were told to call 780-841-1265 for help if needed.

Chateh Fire Chief Christian Mercredi said Sunday that fire crews from local municipalities were in the area assisting local firefighters.

Building fire guards and installing sprinklers were the first priority for crews, he added.

As of Sunday afternoon, no homes or buildings had been affected, Mercredi said.

Highway 58, the only road to and from Chateh, was closed Sunday due to the fire. However, the 511 Alberta website said evacuees from the community were being given access to the highway to get to High Level. 

Chateh is an unincorporated community located around 850 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. 

With files from the Canadian Press