Evacuation notices issued for Nordegg, Lodgepole

Wildfires raging out of control have forced people in two Alberta communities out of their homes Sunday evening.

After spending three days on a one-hour evacuation notice, residents of Nordegg have been told to evacuate immediately.

They are advised to register at the curling rink in Rocky Mountain House, 90 kilometres east of Nordegg.

While the fire is still about two kilometres away from the community, it has crossed the no-go line established by fire officials earlier today, said Christine Heggart, a spokesperson for the county.

High winds in the area are still a concern, she added.

Heggart said RCMP and peace officers will be going door to door to ensure that everyone knows about the evacuation order, which Heggart said is being proactively enforced.

Nordegg has about 50 permanent residents, but many more seasonal residents.

Brazeau County

Closer to Edmonton, a wildfire that started near the community of Lodgepole has jumped the Pembina River in Brazeau County.

As of 7:30 p.m., the fire was estimated to cover about 250 hectares, three kilometres west of Lodgepole.

Five residents have been already been evacuated and Brazeau County staff have issued an immediate evacuation notice for all Lodgepole residents.

Brazeau County has reported that fifty firefighters from Drayton Valley and Brazeau County Fire Services are on site battling the flames, supported by helicopters, air tankers and other heavy equipment.

ATCO Gas has been instructed to shut down the gas leading into Lodgepole.

The fire was first spotted around 3:45 p.m. Sunday, south of Lodgepole, about 25 kilometres southwest of Drayton Valley.