A wildfire forced the evacuation of Little Red River Cree Nation on Wednesday night.
The fire is located in the community of Fox Lake, and is out of control and nearly 1,500 hectares in size as of Thursday, according to Alberta Wildfire.
At 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, Chief Conroy Sewepagahma said all essential workers needed to leave immediately. He added that in 30 minutes, the ferries that are the only way in and out of the community, would be burned.
According to Sewepagaham, there are 3,700 people living in Fox Lake who are now under a mandatory evacuation order.
The fire is just 200 metres away from the closest homes.
1,800 people living in Little Red River Cree Nation were forced out, with about 550 arriving in High Level by Thursday morning.
Everyone leaving must go to the Fox Lake Band office or call 1-888-201-3053. The nearby Town of High Level has set up an evacuation centre to help.
Crews reported on Thursday “active open flame on the northeast corner of the fire,” Alberta Wildfire said. This area of the fire will be the priority for crews.
Dry, hot weather and winds fueled the growth of the fire, which is about 530 kilometres north of Edmonton.
Alberta Wildfire said there are currently 36 firefighters, three helicopters, local firefighters and heavy equipment working on the fire. Airtankers will be supporting firefighters Thursday. Heavy equipment is working to establish fire guards around nearby homes.
Alberta Wildfire said so far crews have been successful in preventing spread towards the community to the west of the fire by laying down a retardant line.
