As of the morning of May 12, Woodlands County officials report that firefighting crews continue to make strong progress on suppressing wildfire WWF017, burning south of Highway 43 near Range Road 114.
A wildfire labelled as out of control was identified yesterday afternoon, prompting an evacuation order for residents south of the highway, between the Westridge Subdivision and Range Road 111A to the east. Residents in the affected area are to gather pets, important documents and medications and evacuate. A reception centre has been established at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt.
Residents in need of assistance with accommodations or meals can contact the Woodlands County 24-7 Evacuee Hotline at 825-401-8409.
The county says dozers have now encircled approximately 90 per cent of the fire, with the remaining areas currently too wet for equipment access. It has also been reduced to about 51.5 ha in size, down from 75 ha this morning. Updates can be monitored on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard and the Woodlands County Facebook page.
Two night-vision helicopters worked on the fire overnight, along with firefighters and heavy equipment. Structure protection has also been deployed to protect homes and critical infrastructure in the area.
Today, the county says winds are light, but crossover conditions expected later in the day may create more intense fire behaviour.
As a result, the county does not anticipate residents will return today. It is also waiting on an update from Fortis Alberta on the state of power to people’s homes.
In the meantime, residents are asked to stay away from the evacuation area, including the use of side-by-sides and off-highway vehicles, which can create additional wildfire risk.
A speed restriction is also in effect on Highway 43. According to 511 Alberta, speed is limited to 80 km/h between Range Road 112 and Township Road 529A to accommodate the wildfire response and heavy traffic, as well as low visibility due to smoke.
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
The Whitecourt Forest Area is currently under a fire advisory, meaning any burning without a valid fire permit is prohibited, except for campfires. Click here for more details on the Fire Advisory.
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