M.D. of Willow Creek Fire Chief Kelly Starling told Global News crews were first alerted to the fire burning at a feedlot around 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

"It started off with rumour," said Mayor Doug MacPherson.

Residents of the hamlet of Moon River Estates in the southeast corner of the Municipal District of Willow Creek were told to "evacuate immediately" shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday night after officials said a "wildfire has entered the hamlet."