Residents of the northern Alberta community of Little Buffalo were put on a mandatory evacuation order late Friday night because of a wildfire threatening the area.
The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council issued the order at 9:34 p.m., saying “there is currently a wildfire within close proximity to the community and with current weather conditions, (it) could impact the community and the safety of the residents.”
People forced to leave their homes were asked to bring clothes, medications, pets and other essentials. They were told to prepare for the possibility of being out of their homes for at least seven days.
Wildfire evacuees were asked to go to Ventures Hall for further instructions, or to follow social media accounts of local leaders.
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Earlier in the day, residents of the small community were put on a one-hour evacuation notice due to the wildfire threatening the hamlet.
“There is currently a wildfire close to the community and with current weather conditions could impact the community and the safety of the residents,” said an earlier emergency alert from the province.
Peace Regional RCMP said they was notified around 2:30 p.m. of a wildfire growing rapidly due to high winds that had jumped the highway.
Residents now have no access to escape towards Peace River and will have to leave in the direction of Red Earth Creek if needed, police said.
“RCMP, fire and other support services are en route and already on scene and urge residents of Little Buffalo to follow directions of first responders and emergency management employees,” said police.
Little Buffalo is located about 100 kilometres northeast of Peace River.
Residents with questions are told to call 780-625-1503.