Evacuation order lifted, alert remains in place as crews continue to battle wildfire west of Edmonton

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“The fire is not yet being held, but with the help of some much-needed overnight precipitation, fire crews continue to work to contain this wildfire”

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An evacuation order for some residents of Parkland County due to a wildfire has been lifted as of 11 a.m. Saturday.

Parkland County’s director of emergency management, Brian Cornforth, advised the imminent danger from the wildfire for those in the area between Highway 22 and Range Road 63 and between Township Road 510 and 524 has diminished.

The evacuation order for this area has been rescinded and replaced with an evacuation alert. Residents who live in the impacted area should be prepared to evacuate with limited notice should conditions change and an evacuation order is re-issued.

A state of local emergency remains in effect for the area as the wildfire is still active. According to an online update by Parkland County, as of 9:30 a.m., the wildfire remained at 2,220 hectares in size and did not see significant growth or movement overnight.

More than 60 firefighters have been battling the blaze which has been fuelled by peat moss and gusting winds.

“The fire is not yet being held, but with the help of some much-needed overnight precipitation, fire crews continue to work to contain this wildfire,” Parkland County said in an update.

Roads within the area have been limited to local traffic only, officials said.

Speaking to media on Friday, Cornforth said about 45 residents had registered as evacuees at the Tomahawk and District Sports and Agra Centre.

No cause of the fire has been determined at this time.

A wildfire has affecting residents in the area between Highway 22 and Range Road 63 and between Township Road 510 and Township Road 524. (Supplied photo/Parkland County)
A wildfire has affecting residents in the area between Highway 22 and Range Road 63 and between Township Road 510 and Township Road 524. (Supplied photo/Parkland County)

More to come.