Wildfires prompt mandatory evacuations of Entwistle, Evansburg west of Edmonton

Fueled by warm temperatures, high winds and extremely dry conditions, several wildfires west of Edmonton prompted Entwistle and Evansburg to be evacuated on Saturday.

Fueled by warm weather, high winds and extremely dry conditions, several out-of-control wildfires have grown near Entwistle and Evansburg, and on Saturday night an evacuation order was issued for the communities west of Edmonton in Parkland County and Yellowhead County.

Just before 3 a.m. Sunday, Yellowhead County expanded its evacuation alert.

All residents in the Lobstick Resort and residents from Range Road 92 and from Township Road 542 to Township Road 550 in Yellowhead County must evacuate immediately, the county said.

All impacted residents must evacuate to the Wildwood Hall. Gather important documents, medication, and enough food and water to be away from home for at least three days. Take pets with you. Residents in the affected area can contact the Yellowhead County emergency information line at 1-833-334-4630.

(Scroll down for previous evacuation orders issued on Saturday.)

One of the fires (WCU001) was just south of Highway 16, between Range Road 70 and 71. Due to high winds, the fire was quickly heading towards Entwistle and Evansburg.

Alberta Wildfire said it was detected Saturday and is located approximately nine kilometres southeast of Evansburg.

The province said it was helping Parkland County fight the flames with one airtanker and four firefighters were  responding to this wildfire, with more expected Sunday. As of 11 p.m., the estimated size was 200 hectares.