Crews from Ontario called in to battle northern Alberta wildfire near Manning

A wildfire described as “out of control” was burning in northern Alberta near the town of Manning on Tuesday morning.

Two Manning residents shared photos with Global News Monday night and said the whole town smelled of smoke.

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In a public notice that was also shared on the County of Northern Lights’ Facebook page Tuesday morning, officials stressed they were in “close and constant communication with Alberta Forestry and their wildfire response.”

The county said a 16-person wildfire management team from Ontario had been deployed, as well as four complete dozer groups, to combat the fire burning west of Notikewin.

“Teams on the ground and in the air are assessing the extent and movement of the fire,” the county said, adding residents should monitor the County of Northern Lights’ website and Facebook page for more updates.

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By noon Tuesday, residents said they saw three water bombers, two bird dogs and multiple helicopters on the fire. They said it grew from 1,500 hectares Monday night to 4,500 hectares Tuesday morning.

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The Alberta Wildfire map also described the fire in the Peace River area as out of control.

“There are oil and gas facilities and a grazing reserve nearby,” said Tanis Blocka, an Alberta Wildfire information officer. She added that Alberta Wildfire has been in contact with the facilities.

As of 3:30 p.m., officials said the fire was still burning out of control.

Blocka said the communities of Hotchkiss, Notikewin and Manning could be affected by smoke.

Notikewan is just six kilometres north of Manning. Manning is located about 600 kilometres north of Edmonton.