UPDATE: High Prairie residents are being told to be prepared to evacuate within one hour or less. A 60 minute evacuation alert has been issued for the town.
It’s reported a wildfire is moving north towards the town. If an evacuation order is issued, there will be a reception centre in Slave Lake, with further instructions given at the time.
People in High Prairie are being told to be prepared to leave within three hours notice in case an evacuation order is issued. The town council has declared a State of Local Emergency due to wildfires, including one in the area of East Prairie Metis Settlement.
“The evacuation alert is in place to be extra cautious given the extreme fire hazard and weather conditions making firefighting operations challenging.”
As of midnight on May 6th, the town says there is no immediate threat to people or property. However, it is asking residents to plan in case the situation changes.
“Please PLAN to evacuate with enough items to keep you and your family and pets comfortable for at least 72 hours including important documents, medications, and clothing and be prepared to leave the area if necessary.”
The High Prairie area is already the evacuation location for evacuees from Big Lakes County. Everyone east of the West Prairie River and Highway 749, south of Township Road 724, was ordered to evacuate late Friday night.
The fire within East Prairie Metis Settlement is said to be is moving northwest and is expected to reach the Banana Belt area overnight. People were told to go to the Elks Rodeo Hall north of the Town of High Prairie to register.