Residents evacuated from an area affected by a wildfire in southern Alberta Wednesday can obtain temporary access to check on their property and livestock.
Strong wind and dry conditions contributed to the wildfire that sparked in the Municipal District of Ranchland 66 Wednesday morning, causing a local state of emergency to be declared.
The MD later issued an evacuation order at around 5 p.m. which remains in effect.
WATCH: Neil Waters sent in this video of a fire burning in southern Alberta Wednesday, from his view south of Chain Lakes along Highway 22.
In a Thursday news release, RCMP said that although the wildfire remains out of control, conditions have improved enough for Highway 22 to re-open for travel.
Cpl. Curtis Peters of the RCMP told Global News they are allowing landowners who wish to check on property and livestock to re-enter for a few hours, but they must evacuate again by early evening. Residents who needs to enter the evacuated area have to first obtain a permit from the MD office in Chain Lakes. They’re then asked to enter the MD via Chimney Rock Road where RCMP will check permits. Chimney Rock Road remains closed to all other traffic.
“At this time, there are no reported losses of structures due to the fire,” RCMP said.
“Conditions remain very dry with an extreme fire risk in the area.”
In a Wednesday news release on the MD of Ranchland website, officials with the MD said they weren’t seeking any donations of resources, money or support.
WATCH: Viewer Wendy Cochlan captured this footage showing flames near Highway 22.
The community is located in the southwestern portion of the province, with municipal boundaries stretching north to Kananaskis Country, south to the border of the Crowsnest Pass, west to the British Columbia border and east to the ranchlands west of Willow Creek, according to its website.
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