Wildfire continues to threaten northern Alberta community

The 200 people who were forced from their homes in the North Tall Cree First Nation community by an encroaching wildfire will spend another night in High Level.

People left their homes on Thursday after winds blew the 1,500-hectare fire about five kilometres away from the community.  

"The winds are actually coming from the west to the east," said Scott Long, executive director of provincial operations for the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.

"The fire itself is moving in the direction of the community."

Firefighters have been able to keep the fire from moving any closer by using fireguards and sprinkler systems, Long added. There has been no damage to property.

Highway 88 has been temporarily closed about 20 kilometres south of the community. 

The evacuees were sent to High Level about 160 kilometres northwest of the First Nation where they are staying in hotels.

The 400 people who live in South Tall Cree haven't had to leave. However, they are on an evacuation notice.

In Meander Lake, about 80 seniors, children and people with medical conditions left voluntarily. About 350 people who remain in the community are on an evacuation alert.

Long said 50 km/hr winds are not helping the situation. The winds are expected to die down Friday evening. Saturday should be cooler with the possibility of rain.

There are currently129 wildfires burning in Alberta, with 51 listed as out of control. There have been 22 new fires in the last 24 hours.

Since April 1, there have been 1,260 wildfires, much higher than last year, which saw 725 over the entire season. Long said the five-year average is 785.

Alberta has deployed 1,600 firefighters, 185 helicopters and 18 air tankers. Another 50 firefighters are coming from Ontario. About 200 crews from other provinces will be sent to help by the end of next week.