Six a.m. this morning alerts went out to residents on Hwy. 40 to be prepared to evacuate if the Devil's Head fire continues to move east.

Aided by high winds, the fire jumped across a gorge to a plateau of fresh fuel in the east, something wildfire crews were attempting to prevent. It has now grown to 3,624 ha. Much of its extremities are extinguished or left with no fresh fuel, but its movement east remains the biggest concern for wildfire officials.

The MD of Bighorn has declared a state of emergency and advised residents to be prepared to evacuate on Richard's Road, Hwy. 40, Summer Village of Waiparous, Benchlands, Richard's and Pears Road, Ghost Country Place, and West Jamieson Road.

David Smith and his family, who have had a home in Benchlands for 25 years, were among those loading up a vehicle early this morning in case there is a need to evacuate.

"We gathered up our important stuff, and if we have to evacuate, we'll grab the dog and our important stuff and head down Hwy. 40 like everyone else."

"There is smoke in the area and there were cinders and ash in the air last night, so we kind of knew it was coming."

drie.com