High Level, Alberta (WNews): High Level and surrounding communities have been placed on a mandatory evacuation order due to an out-of-control wildfire that is now burning about about three kilometres south of the town.
The evacuation order was put in place at 4 p.m. Monday. About 4,000 residents from High Level are being told to leave their homes and go to reception centres in Slave Lake and High Prairie.
Another 750 people from surrounding communities, including the Bushe River Reserve, are being told to register at the La Crete Heritage Centre.
Residents are asked to exit the town east on Highway 58 and head south along Highway 88.
The town will be evacuated in stages and people are asked to turn off gas appliances, turn down their hot water and lock their doors and windows before leaving their homes. Residents should prepare to be out of their homes for a minimum of 72 hours, said Alberta Wildfire incident commander Scott Elliot.
Smoke from the northern Alberta wildfires prompted Environment Canada to issue a special air quality statement for parts of Mackenzie County and County of Northern Lights.
The weather agency said the smoke resulted in poor quality and reduced visibility.
Reception centre locations
Slave Lake Legacy Centre
400 6 Ave. NE
Slave Lake, AB
Phone: 780-843-5651
High Prairie Sports Palace
5409 – 49 St.
High Prairie, AB
This is a Breaking News Alert and the story will be updated as required.