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Fire in southwest Alberta remains out of control; re-entry beginning for evacuated residents

Oct 26, 2017 | 11:22 AM

MD OF RANCHLANDS, AB — A fire which ignited in southwest Alberta on Wednesday continues to burn out of control, but evacuees are beginning to return.

The fire, located near Chimney Rock Rock in the Municipal District of Ranchlands, is approximately 1,200 hectares in size, according to a map from Alberta Wildfire. Conditions have improved in the area, which have resulted in highway 22 being re-opened.

Landowners who wish to return to the evacuated area must obtain a permit for the Municipal District office at Chain Lakes, which will authorize re-entry. Those individuals who obtain permits and return are asked to do so via Chimney Rock Road where RCMP will check permits.

RCMP say at this time, there are no reported losses of structures due to the fire. The fire risk in the area remains extreme due to very dry conditions.