Most of northern Alberta under fire ban as some communities forced to evacuate

A fire ban has been declared for nearly all of northern Alberta after the wildfire situation in the province escalated overnight.

Alberta Wildfire says the ban is in place for the northern and central parts of the Forest Protection Area.

The ban means no wood fires are allowed on public or private land. Propane fire pits and barbecues are still allowed.

Late Wednesday, a mandatory evacuation was issued for Chipewyan Lake, Alta., west of Fort McMurray. The Municipal District of Opportunity said people in the northern community were to head to the Lakeview Sports Centre in Wabasca.

Residents of Red Earth Creek, Alta., were asked to evacuate immediately early Thursday morning and take shelter in the Baytex Energy Center in Peace River.

A mandatory evacuation was also issued for Loon River First Nation and Peerless Trout First Nation.

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, posted on social media Wednesday night praise for first responders racing to battle the fires in the Prairies.

Woodhouse Nepinak said she’d been in contact with First Nations chiefs and she will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney Thursday.

The escalation in northern Alberta comes as Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe declared an emergency in neighbouring Saskatchewan. The declaration is set for 14 days but can be extended.

On Wednesday, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew made the emergency declaration as fires forced 17,000 people to escape to safety, including all 5,000 residents of the city of Flin Flon.