A day after an evacuation was ordered in Nordegg, the hamlet remains deserted, and fire crews are still cracking down on wildfires burning not far away.
The province said the wildfire is burning about 1.5 kilometres outside of Nordegg, and is more than 300 hectares in size.
Firefighters are working in the air and on the ground to gain the upper hand on the fire, which was still considered out of control Monday afternoon.
Crews are working against powerful winds, making the battle against the flames difficult – so crews constructed a ‘dozer guard’, or a wide path with anything flammable cleared away to keep the fire from leaping forward.
“When you get those types of conditions over a fire with a large perimeter like this, it’s very difficult to try and contain it,” Community and Protective Services Director Mike Haugen said.
In the next few days, crews are hoping for more favourable conditions to aid in the fire fight.
It's believed this wildfire was caused by human activity.
Officials said Forestry Trunk Road, from Highway 11 to the North Fork Road remained closed Monday – although traffic was still moving on Highway 11.
On Sunday, 107 people were evacuated from the Nordegg area, Clearwater County officials said by early Monday afternoon, 63 evacuees had registered at the Curling Rink in Rocky Mountain House.
The Red Cross is also assisting evacuees from Nordegg, a team of volunteers was called to Rocky Mountain House Sunday to help set up a reception centre for evacuees.
Volunteers also brought about 50 cots and resources for evacuees.
In addition, accommodation for pets is available at the Clearwater Vet in Rocky Mountain House (403-845-5353), or Spirit River Kennel (403-844-4284).
County officials said anyone seeking information on the Nordegg fire can call 1-866-916-INFO (4636).
Nordegg is one of two communities under an evacuation order due to wildfires, Lodgepole was also evacuated over the weekend.
With files from Bill Fortier
