Northern Alberta residents on edge as wildfire prompts evacuation alert

A hamlet in northern Alberta is keeping watch as a wildfire rages nearby.

Residents living southeast of Fort McMurray — at Saprae Creek Estates — are being told to make an emergency plan and pack enough supplies for three days, due to an out of control wildfire.

According to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the fire was first spotted Sunday and is now 67 hectares in size, according to Alberta Wildfire.

We are currently responding to a number of new wildfires across the province. Most notably, Wildfire MWF012 was discovered yesterday. This wildfire is located approximately 4.5 km east of Saprae Creek Estates and is currently classified as out of control at 67 hectares in size. pic.twitter.com/nYv3YduDoB

— Alberta Wildfire (@AlbertaWildfire) April 22, 2024

Photos of the large column of grey smoke have been posted to Facebook, which are visible as far as downtown Fort McMurray.

Forestry minister Todd Loewen says fire crews have entered this fire season with a heavier load that usual.

“I know Albertans are feeling nervous as we head further into the 2024 wildfire season,” he said last week, during the province’s first weekly update. “I want you to know that Alberta’s government understands these concerns.”

Christie Tucker with Alberta Wildfire, says Albertans should prepare for a potentially long season.

“I recommend that Albertans familiarize themselves with the Alberta Fire Bans website and ensure they don’t become responsibl for starting a wild fire,” she said.

Fort McMurray is no stranger to wildfire danger, as a wildfire in 2016 forced 90,000 people from their homes and destroyed 2,400 buildings.

Wood Buffalo RCMP are asking residents not to fly their drones in the area, as it posed a safety hazard for helicopters combatting the blaze.

Police add that anyone who fails to comply may be charged with reckless or negligent operations under the aeronautics act.

Elsewhere in the province, a brush fire that started Saturday night north of Grande Prairie is now considered under control, and in Slave Lake, police closed a section of highway 2 because of a forest fire the Canyon Creek.