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Alberta residents in the Fort McMurray area are being told to be ready to leave their homes due to the threat of an out-of-control wildfire in the region.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo issued an evacuation alert at 6:38 p.m. MT for Fort McMurray and Saprae Creek Estates as the MWF-017 wildfire burns nearby.
The alert states the fire is southwest of Fort McMurray, and smoke could affect visibility on Highway 63 south of the northern Alberta community that was devastated by wildfire in 2016.
An evacuation order has not been issued at this time. Residents are advised to keep essential items like medications, important documents and emergency kits ready for a quick departure.
According to Alberta Wildfire’s latest update, the wildfire is currently classified as out of control at 1,000 hectares and is about 16 kilometres away from Fort McMurray. It’s located on the south side of the Athabasca River valley and is moving east, driven by strong winds.
The update states the fire danger in the area is extreme and fire restriction remains in effect for the Fort McMurray region.
Residents in Saprae Creek were put on evacuation alert late last month for a separate wildfire.
There are currently 52 fires burning across Alberta.
Source Agencies
