Swan Hills, a small town northwest of Edmonton, is under a strict evacuation order as wildfires ravage the area, fanned by strong and unpredictable gales. An out-of-control wildfire of about 2,000 hectares is burning a mere seven kms away from Swan Hills, home to about 1,300 people.Residents were alerted Monday of a possible evacuation — which came to fruition at 6:16 p.m. that evening. Authorities warned people should gather their pets and important documents, and stock up on a three-day supply of water, food and fuel. The order remains in place as of Tuesday afternoon. .Officials have established a reception area for evacuees at the Allan and Jean Miller Centre in nearby Whitecourt, which is about 80 kms south. A bus service is available for evacuees.Any residents not going to Whitecourt are asked to register via phone at 780-778-3637..According to the Weather Network, Whitecourt Mayor Tom Pickard said his town is prepared to take in displaced Swan Hills residents.“We're going to make it as enjoyable, or pleasant, as we can for Swan Hills. It's very traumatic for them," he said Monday night..Alberta wildfire information officer Josee St-Onge on Monday evening told CTV News the wildfire was “showing some high intensity this late afternoon.”“It's being driven by winds from the west," she said, adding firefighters, air tankers, helicopters and heavy equipment groups were working to contain the fire."We'll also have a night vision-equipped helicopter working on it overnight, so we're still going full steam ahead to try to contain it, but it is showing some intense fire behaviour."
