Wildfires force multiple evacuations across southern Alberta

Eight wildfires burning across a swath of southern Alberta have forced evacuations from multiple communities on Tuesday.

High winds helped fan the flames from the foothills in the west to the Saskatchewan border in the east. 

Here is a rundown of evacuations and information at this time. Watch here for updates. 

Acadia Valley

East of Calgary, near the Saskatchewan border, the municipal district of Acadia declared a state of emergency Tuesday evening, telling residents of the hamlet of Acadia Valley to leave immediately "if it is safe to do so."

That evacuation order has now been lifted and residents are permitted to return home. 

Highway 41, south of Acadia Valley, remains closed and a local state of emergency remains in effect.

Airdrie

The Sharp Hill neighbourhood southeast of Airdrie was placed under a sudden evacuation order Tuesday afternoon as a grass fire whipped up by strong winds raced toward homes.

Rocky View County said one home was destroyed by the fire. 

Sharp Hill residents are allowed to return home, but those who live in the Stagecoach Trail area are asked to meet with the Rocky View Fire Department at Stagecoach Trail and Township 264. Residents will be allowed in one by one with fire escort to assess their residences.

• Airdrie grass fire prompts evacuation as high winds push flames toward homes

Coleman

Residents on the western edge of Coleman in southwestern Alberta are being told to evacuate as a fast-moving wildfire, fueled by strong winds, burns out of control. 

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency said the fire is burning in the area between the Sentinel Industrial Park and Coleman, but it's moving quickly.

A reception centre is open at the Vertical Church in Pincher Creek, located at 1200 Ken Thorton Blvd.

• Residents of Coleman ordered to evacuate as wildfire threatens town

Empress

A "serious fire" was threatening the Village of Empress, east of Calgary and north of Medicine Hat, on Tuesday. The evacuation order was lifted around 9:30 p.m. MT.

Gleichen/Strathmore

Residents living in and around Gleichen and Carseland in southeast Alberta are being evacuated as wildfires close in.

A local state of emergency has been declared and an Alberta Emergency Alert warns those living in areas surrounding Carseland and Gleichen to go to reception centres in Strathmore — at the Strathmore Civic Centre — or in Standard — at the Standard Community Hall. 

• Wildfires force evacuation in area around Gleichen

​A second fire, ignited by a train that caught fire near the Agrium Plant, was burning near Highway 910 and Range Road 264.

​Hilda

Residents of the village of Hilda, which is about 375 kilometres southeast of Calgary, have been advised to evacuate to Medicine Hat.

• Communities near Sask.-Alberta border evacuated, highway closed due to wildfire

Lethbridge

Lethbridge police are warning residents of Scenic Heights that a mandatory evacuation may be required and people may be forced to leave on short notice.

That's due to a fire burning in the coulees on the west of the city.

MD of Willow Creek/Moon River Estates

In the MD Willow Creek, just west of Lethbridge, the municipal district has enacted a mandatory evacuation for the hamlet of Moon River Estates. Residents are asked to head to Lethbridge.

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