Town of Drayton Valley being evacuated due to wildfires

Brazeau County has issued a wildfire alert resulting in an evacuation order.

As of 11:09 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, this alert is in effect for Brazeau County and Drayton Valley.

Officials say there is an out of control wildfire southeast of Drayton Valley.

All residents in the area of Township Road 484 north to Township Road 494, and North Saskatchewan River west to Range Road 80 must evacuate immediately.

This includes the entire town of Drayton Valley. Evacuate via Highway 22 north to Highway 624. Follow 624 to Tomahawk. Then follow 627 east towards Stony Plain.

Both Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley have declared a state of local emergency due to the wildfires.

According to County and Town officials, heavy fire activity is expected south of Highway 22 on the river hill.

For anybody that is unable to evacuate the community, a staging area is being established at Kal Tire with buses available to take people out of Drayton Valley to be taken towards Stony Plain. If you are unable to get out of your house, please call 780-542-7777 immediately.

The Town says they are working on establishing a reception centre, and they will post those details as soon as they become available.

Road blocks will be set up at the following locations:

Highway 22 and Highway 620
Highway 22 and 50 Street (at the derricks)
Highway 22 and Range Road 71

Bring important documents, medication, food, water and supplies for at least three days. Take pets with you. Please follow the Brazeau County and Town of Drayton Valley Facebook page for more information.

Fire crews will be working in the area, so please avoid the area and give the crews space to work.

Meantime, Lac Ste. Anne County has updated its Wildfire Alert.

As of 10:11 p.m., this alert is in effect for the area southeast of Sangudo.

Officials say there is a wildfire near Range Road 60 and Township Road 560. The evacuation order has been lifted, but everyone between Range Road 60 and 64, from Township Road 554 to Highway 43 is still on evacuation alert.

Nearby residents are asked to remain prepared to evacuate on very short notice if you are in the effected area. Prepare to bring your pets, medication, and supplies to be away from home for 72 hours. There is a reception centre at the Sangudo Arena. If you need help evacuating, call the County Office at 780-785-3411. For more info, visit http://www.lsac.ca. For updates stay tuned to http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert.