A wildfire burning out of control in northern Alberta that has prompted a local state of emergency in Mackenzie County has grown to more than 1,000 hectares in size.
The wildfire was first reported burning 15 kilometres southeast of La Crete on Friday.
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development said Sunday that the fire has now grown to about 1,026 hectares.
There are currently two tanker groups, two dozer groups, approximately 65 firefighters and four helicopters working on the blaze.
Officials say no structures have been lost and there are currently no evacuations being issued, however Wilson Prairie Road is closed between Range Roads 14-3 and 13-4. Non-local traffic are asked to avoid the area as it interferes with firefighting operations.
On Saturday, Alberta Health Services issued an air quality warning for the area.
The warning was issued especially for those with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions, such as COPD, asthma, congestive heart failure and angina – who can be more sensitive to the effects of the fine particulate matter in smoke.
Smoke is expected in La Crete and the surrounding area for the next few days.
Residents experiencing smoke-related respiratory problems are asked to call Health Link at 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or visit the La Crete Community Health Centre.
La Crete is located about 710 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
