Aerial photo of SWF076 north of Swan Hills, AB, taken on May 25. Firefighters, water skimming air tankers, helicopters and heavy equipment are working on containment today on the south and eastern sides. (Alberta Wildfire)

By The Canadian Press

Swan Hills & Mercoal

Some residents in northern Alberta on alert as wildfires burn out of control

May 26, 2025 | 1:58 PM

Residents of two areas in northern Alberta are on alert as out-of-control wildfires burn closer and closer to their homes.

People living in Swan Hills, roughly 221 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, have been placed under a one-hour evacuation notice as a wildfire burns out of control north of town.

An emergency alert says no evacuation is currently required, but winds are likely to change and would force residents to flee.

They are to gather their important documents and medication, as well as at least three days’ worth of food, water and other supplies in case they are told to leave.

Another alert was issued for people living southeast of Hinton because of another out-of-control fire burning west of the former coal mining town of Mercoal.

Wildfire officials say firefighters, airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment operators are responding to the 70-hectare blaze.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025.