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Part of Clearwater County evacuated due to ‘rapidly spreading’ wildfire
Fire crews used airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment as the blaze grew to about 130 hectares and displaced more than 440 people.
On Thursday, an out-of-control wildfire in Clearwater County prompted an emergency evacuation alert, forcing closures on Highway 40 near the junction of Highway 584. The fire is burning approximately 2.5 kilometres west of the junction.
The Rocky Mountain House Forest Area wildfire danger is now high, with very strong winds and dry vegetation contributing to increased risk. The fire is burning about 40 kilometres northwest of Sundre.
Sundre RCMP evacuated a 10-kilometre radius of Crown land near the fire, establishing blockades to restrict entry. Travelers and backcountry users near highways 734 and 584 were advised to leave immediately.
As of Thursday afternoon, Alberta Wildfire reported 22 wildfires burning across Alberta. While smoke from the Clearwater fire remains visible from nearby communities, "currently no risk to communities," the update said.
Elsewhere, Woodlands County began a phased re-entry for residents evacuated near Whitecourt after Alberta Wildfire re-assessed the fire as "being held." Officials confirmed one residence was lost to the flames.