Due to the dry conditions, a fire advisory has been declared for both the East and West divisions of Rocky View County, effective immediately. This advisory represents a moderate fire risk and will remain in effect as long as conditions remain. 

The advisory comes after multiple wildfires were reported in Northern Alberta. A wildfire that is currently considered out of control is burning 7 kilometres southeast of Entwistle and is estimated to be covering 330 hectares. Infracsture nearby includes the Trestle Creek Golf Course, scattered farms, Highway 16, and communities of Entwistle and Evansburg.

According to the province, Alberta Wildfire has three helicopters and one air tanker group assigned to the wildfire, with additional resources including crews having been requested.

Parkland County has a mandatory evacuation order in place for residents living between Range Road 65 to the Pembina River, north of Township Road 530 to Highway 16, including all residents of Entwistle. Please visit emergencyalert.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Emergency Alert App for additional information.  

Weather conditions are expected to be challenging for firefighters. The fire danger is high in the area today. 

The other wildfire that is also considered to be out of control is approximately 7 kilometres northwest of Evansburg on both sides of Highway 22, 3 km north of Highway 16. That fire is estimated to be encompassing 3,000 hectares. Currently, 45 wildfire fighters and six helicopters have been deployed to battle the fire.

The fire is burning in a mixture of grass, shrub, trees and marsh. Strong winds, warm temperatures, and very dry fuel are the main factors contributing to the rapid spread of this wildfire.

Both Yellowhead County and Alberta Wildfire are working together to contain the spread of the wildfire. The Yellowhead County evacuation order is currently in place for the affected areas in Yellowhead County. The evacuation order will remain until it is determined that residents can safely return to their homes and there is no risk to residents and other infrastructure.

During a fire advisory all burning and fireworks permits are suspended, and burning is banned, with the following exceptions:

• Indoor household fireplaces

• Incinerators (for farm and acreage use)

• Burning barrels

• Camp stoves (properly attended)

• Barbecues (charcoal briquettes, propane, or natural gas)

• Wood pellet grills

• Propane/natural gas fire pit

• Recreational campfires in an approved burn pit

• Chimeneas

• Fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational

areas

• Oil well flaring (must register with central fire dispatch at 403‐264‐1022)

For details on specific fire restrictions during an advisory, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca