A day after officials in Brazeau County issued an evacuation order to hundreds of residents of a rural area southwest of Edmonton, the evacuation order remains in place, and fire crews are still battling the blaze.
At about 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Brazeau County officials said the fire remained out of control in an area a few kilometres northwest of the community of Lindale.
The blaze was first seen by county officials at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, in the area of Range Road 55, and just south of Township Road 500.
However, the fire had not grown overnight, and remained at about 36 hectares in size, officials said the blaze had been nearly completely surrounded by fire guards.
Officials said 20 ESRD firefighters, separated into five teams were dealing with the blaze with help from eight Drayton Valley/Brazeau County firefighters.
More firefighters are expected to arrive Thursday, all crews are expected to continue battling the fire throughout the night.
Residents living along Range Roads 60 and 55, between Township Roads 494 and 502 were still evacuated Thursday afternoon, although those who accessed their properties off of Highway 759 and Township Road 494 are allowed back home, but they’re under a one-hour evacuation notice.
In addition, residents in the Birchwood area are still on a one-hour evacuation notice - the current notices and orders are expected to remain in effect until Friday at the earliest.
Officials said the roadway had been blocked on Highway 759 between Township Roads 494 and 500.
Officials held an information session for residents affected by the blaze Thursday morning at the reception centre, which had been set up at the Mackenzie Centre in Drayton Valley.
Another information session was scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday at the same location.
Evacuated residents can call 780-898-3598 for more information.
