Evacuation Alert Issued Near Sundre Wildfire Area

An evacuation alert has been issued in parts of central Alberta after an out-of-control wildfire began spreading near the town of Sundre. Emergency officials said the wildfire is burning roughly 30 kilometres northwest of Sundre and has grown quickly because of strong winds and dry weather conditions. Authorities warned residents, campers, and travellers in nearby areas to remain prepared as firefighters continue battling the fast-moving blaze.

According to Alberta wildfire officials, the fire expanded rapidly during the afternoon and evening as wind gusts reached nearly 65 kilometres per hour. By Thursday evening, the wildfire had already reached more than 130 hectares in size and was still classified as out of control. Smoke from the fire was visible across several nearby communities, and many residents reported smelling smoke from long distances away.

Emergency alerts were issued for areas near the junction of Highways 734 and 584, where campers, backcountry users, and visitors were told to leave immediately for safety reasons. Residents living in nearby rural regions were placed under evacuation alert status and advised to prepare essential belongings in case conditions worsen and a mandatory evacuation becomes necessary. Officials said there is currently no immediate threat to major communities, but precautions are being taken because of changing wind conditions and unpredictable fire behaviour.

Firefighters, helicopters, air tankers, and heavy equipment crews have been deployed to the area to control the blaze. Alberta Wildfire officials explained that smoke conditions have sometimes limited aircraft operations, making firefighting efforts more difficult. Ground crews continue building containment lines while monitoring weather conditions closely throughout the region.

The wildfire has also affected transportation in the area. Parts of Highway 40, also known as the Forestry Trunk Road, were temporarily closed because of smoke and dangerous visibility conditions. Drivers were advised to avoid unnecessary travel near affected regions and monitor emergency updates regularly.

Officials say Alberta is already experiencing a dangerous start to the 2026 wildfire season due to unusually dry spring conditions and warmer-than-normal temperatures. Provincial wildfire authorities recently warned that dry vegetation and strong seasonal winds have increased the risk of fast-moving wildfires across several forest regions.

The Sundre wildfire is one of several active fires currently burning across Alberta. In recent days, other wildfire emergencies in the province have already forced evacuations in areas near Whitecourt and Woodlands County, where families were temporarily removed from their homes due to advancing flames.

Local officials are continuing to monitor the wildfire situation closely and said more evacuation orders could be issued if weather conditions worsen. Residents have been advised to prepare emergency kits, keep important documents ready, and follow Alberta emergency alerts for the latest updates as crews work to stop the fire from spreading further.