Evacuation orders continue, Alberta oil threatened as wildfires ravage province
Orders to evacuate in the face of surging wildfires continued to spread Thursday as hot, dry conditions fuelled forest blazes in the province's north.
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That comes as much of the province came under a rarely issued red flag watch, meaning if wildfires break out, they're more like to spread and grow due to warmer temperatures, stronger winds and dry forest fuel.
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Underlining the gravity of the situation at Red Earth Creek, Alberta Wildfire officials warned the evacuation route to Peace River on Hwy. 88 was being menaced by flames 'and the status could change at any moment … you may experience smoky conditions on the Highway to Peace River.'
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About 1,300 residents of Swan Hills evacuated earlier this week to nearby Whitecourt in the face of fires that also disrupted oilfield operations.
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Other Alberta communities, including the Village of Boyle and Thorhild County, issued local state of emergencies in May as a result of fast-moving and out-of-control fires.
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This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council is issuing a wildfire alert for Loon Lake.
There is an out of control fire 10 kms south of the community that has become a danger for Loon Lake. Loon River First Nation has issued a mandatory evacuation… pic.twitter.com/x2ddSl0g8o
— Alberta Emergency Alert (@AB_EmergAlert) May 29, 2025
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Evacuation orders continue, Alberta oil threatened as wildfires ravage province
Orders to evacuate in the face of surging wildfires continued to spread Thursday as hot, dry conditions fuelled forest blazes in the province's north. Article content Article content That comes as much of the province came under a rarely issued red flag watch, meaning if wildfires break out, they're more like to spread and grow due to warmer temperatures, stronger winds and dry forest fuel. Article content Article content Article content Underlining the gravity of the situation at Red Earth Creek, Alberta Wildfire officials warned the evacuation route to Peace River on Hwy. 88 was being menaced by flames 'and the status could change at any moment … you may experience smoky conditions on the Highway to Peace River.' Article content About 1,300 residents of Swan Hills evacuated earlier this week to nearby Whitecourt in the face of fires that also disrupted oilfield operations. Article content Other Alberta communities, including the Village of Boyle and Thorhild County, issued local state of emergencies in May as a result of fast-moving and out-of-control fires. Article content Article content This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council is issuing a wildfire alert for Loon Lake. There is an out of control fire 10 kms south of the community that has become a danger for Loon Lake. Loon River First Nation has issued a mandatory evacuation… — Alberta Emergency Alert (@AB_EmergAlert) May 29, 2025
