(Photo: Alberta Emergency Alert)

By Justin Goulet

Alert issued as wildfire burns in M.D. of Ranchland

Dec 1, 2021 | 9:15 AM

M.D. RANCHLAND, AB – Fire crews are monitoring a wildfire in southern Alberta.

It was first discovered in the M.D. of Ranchland on Tuesday, November 30 at about 11:00 p.m. Alberta Agriculture & Forestry says it is still classified as ‘out of control’ and is located about 2.5 kilometres southwest of Chain Lakes Provincial Park and two kilometres south of Highway 533, on the west side of Highway 22.

Fortunately, officials say the fire has not grown in the last few hours. Fire crews from the MD of Willow Creek and Alberta Agriculture & Forestry continue to monitor the blaze.

The MD of Willow Creek No. 26 noted that “residents who voluntarily evacuated have been allowed to return home.” More resources are incoming from Agriculture & Forestry.

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An Alberta Emergency Alert has been issued and was last updated shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1. The alert can be seen here.

The emergency alert update posted at 5:51 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2021 (Alberta Emergency Alert)

It stated that residents in the area between Highway 533 and Chimney Rock Road are on standby to be evacuated should winds shift.

An Alberta wildfire status map can be accessed here.

The MD of Willow Creek No. 26 has also advised residents to be cautious when driving due to strong wind gusts. In a social media post, the MD stated, “blowing soil caused by high winds have created traffic congestion on both north and southbound lanes on Highway 2 between Stavely and Claresholm.”

“Willow Creek Emergency Services are reporting at least 10 highway tractors have overturned on Highway 2 overnight due to the high winds. Truckers are advised to consider pulling off in High River or Nanton to the north and Fort Macleod in the south until winds abate.”

The MD has reported multiple electrical outages as well. An outage map for the MD of Willow Creek No. 26, as well as other areas in southern Alberta, is available here.