Photo Credit: Facebook/Deb Stecyk

By Jeff Henson

WILDFIRE SEASON

UPDATE: Out of control wildfire near High Level grows

May 19, 2019 | 7:24 AM

High winds and dry conditions are fuelling several out of control wildfires across Northwestern Alberta.

The Chuckegg Creek wildfire is listed at 250 square kilometres in size, and is still 25 km southwest of High Level.

Alberta Transportation has closed Highway 58 West of High Level, after the fire crossed that highway yesterday.

Highway 35 south of High Level is also closed, and smoke from the fire can be seen as far away as La Crete, Rainbow Lake and Fort Vermillion.

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According to Alberta Emergency Alerts, power is out in the entire Mackenzie County, including the town of High Level.

ATCO Electric is hoping to have service restored by supper time tonight.

Sprinkler protection operations will begin today in both High Level and at the Tolko mill.

As of right now, there is no threat to the town of High Level, but residents are asked to keep informed of updates as the situation could change.

There are two other fires burning near High Level that are classified as under control.

The wildfire danger for the High Level area is very high and a fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction is in place.

Meanwhile, the Notikewan fire is now about 10 km northwest of Manning.

It crossed the Chin road yesterday, leading to the closure of that road and evacuations of camps and facilities along that road.

And RCMP in Edson closed Highway 16 west of that community last night due to smoke from wildfires in that area.

Some rural properties on both sides of the highway near Marlboro have been evacuated.

Highway 16 has since re-opened.