By Canadian Press

MORE WILDFIRE EVACUATIONS

Northern Alberta wildfires force more evacuations

May 30, 2019 | 8:28 AM

HIGH LEVEL- Hot, dry conditions and gusty winds are leading to what fire watchers call a red-flag warning across northern Alberta’s forest as more people were forced from their homes.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued yesterday for the Hamlet of Wabasca and the Bigstone Cree Nation in the Slave Lake forest area.

The government has also issued an emergency alert for people to get out of Chipewyan Lake Village because a rapidly-moving fire is threatening to cut off access to the area.

Further north, the Chuckegg Creek fire — the largest in the province — is still about three kilometres southwest of High Level, where crews have created a firebreak to protect the community.

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The out of control fire near High Level has grown to 1,500 square kilometres — an increase of 200 square kilometres from Tuesday.

Provincial information officer Derek Gagnon, says a new fire around Steen River, which is also in the High Level forest area, grew 170 square kilometres in its first day.

About five-thousand people were ordered to leave High Level and surrounding communities more than a week ago.

Those evacuees have started to receive provincial emergency funds, but have been told not to expect to return home before this weekend.

(The Canadian Press)