Emergency alerts issued in southern Alberta (ended)

ALBERTA 

EMERGENCY 

ALERT

WILDFIRE ALERT NOW ENDED

This emergency alert officially ended at 6:52 pm, Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Many areas of southwest Alberta are still under a high wind alert.  

Pincher Creek is still under a partial fire ban until further notice, click here for more information.

Citizens advised to avoid highway travel

Last update: 6:54 pm, Wednesday, January 4, 2012

RCMP are advising travelers to avoid all highways between Fort Macleod and High River.  At exceptionally high risk are empty transport vehicles. Several transport trucks and a holiday trailer were blown over.  A large grass fire started west of  Highway 2 between Fort Macleod and Granum  around noon and then quickly jumped the highway.  Several fire crews responded. At last report this blaze was also threatening a feedlot and a home. 

Evacuations have been ordered in the Municipal District of Willow Creek #26 due to risk from the grass fire.  Significant smoke is moving east in a plume across the County of Lethbridge. Smoke may severely reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions.  Avoid the area. Visibility will be affected. Close doors, windows and vents. For affected Willow Creek residents, follow the evacuation order. Follow the directions of local authorities. Seek medical attention if you experience breathing difficulties. Take all necessary precautions.   Between 100 and 200 homes were called with an evacuation notice.

• A fire was reported east of Fort Macleod, where a firetruck reportedly rolled over.
• A third blaze east of Nanton was reportedly sparked by a downed power line at Range Road 272-274. Highway 533 is closed.
• Another fire in southeastern Alberta near Walsh  spread quickly because of the high winds, crossing into Saskatchewan.
• Calgary has activitated their Muncipal Emergency Plan because of high winds.

Evacuation information as reported by Country 95:

"The evacuation affects residents in Township 9, Ranges 26 and 27. It also affects resident in Township 10, Ranges 25 and 26. If you live in those areas North of Township Road 100, evacuees can go to the Claresholm community centre, located on 59th avenue and 8th Street West.

If you're an evacuee that lives south of Township Road 100 - you're asked go to the Fort Macleod Community hall at 301 25th Street.
Residents with livestock should cut the fences and let them go, or they can be taken to the Agricultural Society in Claresholm or the Agricultural Centre in Fort Macleod. Fort Macleod Auction Market will also offer space for cattle. Call Justin Keeley at 403.647.6534. 

RCMP are redirecting traffic on Hwy 2 at Hwy 519. Northbound traffic is currently stopped and Southbound traffic is being rerouted to Hwy 519. They're dealing with vehicle rollovers as well as smoke and fire containment. 

Emergency workers ask that you plan to use an alternate route and stay clear of the area if you don't need to be there."

From the Claresholm Local Press:

"Some MD residents are being evacuated to the Claresholm Community Centre where a Reception Centre has been set up. If you have questions regarding evacuated areas, please contact the MD at (403) 625-3351 or call Kris Holbeck CAO of the Town at (403) 625-0201.
Highway 2 near Fort Mcleod is presently closed. Northbound traffic is stopped while southbound traffic is being rerouted onto Hwy 519."

Environment Canada's wind warning continues for south central Alberta. Winds in excess of 100 km/hr can be expected today."

The City of Calgary newsroom has issued this press release:

"(City of Calgary) Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP) Activation - January 4, 2012
Due to the continuing high winds and the dangers posed, the Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP) was activated at 15:40 this afternoon.  The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was opened at the same time. The Calgary Emergency Management Agency’s members and partners gather in the EOC to manage operations related to the windstorm.

Environment Canada issued a wind warning earlier today, calling for gusts of wind up to 120km/h. High winds can pose significant hazards. Pedestrians and drivers should exercise caution. Truck transport drivers are advised to refrain from driving with empty trailers in and around Calgary.

The Calgary Fire Department and the Calgary Police Service have issued several road closures due to the high winds. Motorists are advised to listen to local media for the latest updates on closures. There may be significant impact to traffic conditions during rush hour based on changing weather conditions.

Due to unsafe conditions from blowing construction material, the Calgary Police Service is temporarily closing Highway 22X between Cranston Boulevard and Deerfoot Trail S.E., in both directions."

We will update this story as it progresses.

For Alberta Emergency Alert broadcast audio click here

Sources:
www.claresholmlocalpress.ca
www.country95.fm
emergencyalert.alberta.ca
AMA road report
660 news
Town of Claresholm (Facebook)