Grass fire sparks evacuation orders in Parkland County

A large wildfire is burning in Parkland County. Residents west of Range Road 65 and north of Township Road 530 to Township Road 534, including the town of Entwistle, are being asked to evacuate immediately. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)

Residents of two hamlets approximately 80 kilometres west of Edmonton have been ordered to evacuate due to an encroaching grass fire.

RCMP say due to high winds, the fire that's just south of Highway 16 between Range Road 70 and 71 is quickly heading west towards Entwistle.

Alberta Emergency Alert says Parkland County has ordered that everyone west of Range Road 65, north of Township Road 530 to Township Road 534, including all residents of Entwistle, must evacuate immediately.

On Sunday, RCMP said that the hamlet of Evansburg, which is just to the northwest of Entwistle across the Pembina River, was also evacuated.

The critical alert, issued just after 6 p.m. local time Saturday, advised people to collect important documents, medication, and enough food and water to be away from home for at least three days.

It told evacuees to head west on Highway 16.

RCMP say people can go to Tomahawk Community Center, and further information will be provided to them there.

As of 10 a.m. Sunday, no injuries from the wildfire had been reported.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2023