Wildfire northwest of Edmonton forces evacuations
County of Barrhead residents remain displaced as officials assess damage from fire that destroyed some structures.
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Residents of the Thunder Lake subdivision northwest of Edmonton remain unable to return home after a wildfire forced evacuations Thursday, with officials still assessing damage across the county.
The County of Barrhead issued evacuation orders for two subdivisions as flames grew closer to homes. An initial order for Summerlea was lifted Thursday evening, but Thunder Lake residents are still waiting for clearance. The fire has been contained, but some structures were destroyed and others damaged.
County Reeve Erik Munck said late Thursday there were no injuries. "These aren't just buildings, they're homes. They're people's lives, memories," he said.
Thunder Lake is about 150 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. An update on when residents can return was expected Friday morning. The county has set up a state of local emergency as crews canvass affected areas.
While the fire is contained, the evacuation underscores Alberta's ongoing wildfire season — a reminder that spring conditions can turn dangerous fast, even in areas far from Calgary.