Mandatory evacuation order issued for area in Lac La Biche County due to wildfire
All residents around southern Winefred Lake and Grist Lake are required to leave
Evacuation orders have been issued for an area in Lac La Biche County due to out-of-control wildfire.
The alert is in effect for southern Winefred Lake and Grist Lake, around 400 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.
The evacuation is mandatory, and all residents in the area are being directed to leave the area immediately.
"Based on information received from Lac la Biche County, there is an estimated 25 people impacted by the evacuation order," the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) said in an email.
This number does not include oil work camps, or those affected in the rural municipality of Wood Buffalo.
There is a reception centre for evacuees at the Parkland Motel II at 10710 101st Avenue in Lac la Biche, Alta., the AEMA said.
John Kokotilo, general manager of protective services at Lac La Biche County says this is one of their largest fires.
"The risk of access and egress to the site is there's one road in and out," said Kokotilo. "We'll be providing lodging and all the other resources required for reception centre for Alberta residents that that need the help."
The Caribou Lake Wildfire is currently burning to the west of the lakes and is estimated to be 62,768 hectares in size, according to Alberta Wildfire.
In a news release, Alberta Wildfire said it was discovered on May 26 and began in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.
It said crews have been working overnight on the northwest side of the fire and are continuing to focus on the north and south sides of the wildfire, which is burning closest to infrastructure.
The Caribou Lake Wildfire also triggered an evacuation alert for the hamlet of Conklin on May 29. The hamlet is located 17 kilometres northwest of the fire.
There are approximately 4,000 total evacuees province-wide, according to AEMA.
Paul Padlesky was forced to evacuate the hunting and fishing lodge he runs on the southwest shore of Winefred Lake, where he has lived for almost four decades.
He left with his wife Sheri and their two dogs when the fire reached within three kilometres of his private road.
"Alberta wildfire people … called me this morning and said there's going to be another mandatory evacuation and to protect ourselves and grab what we can and get out of there," Padlesky said.
"My livelihood is definitely in jeopardy, and I could lose everything I've built in the last 35, 40 years now."
