Swan Hills under evacuation as wildfire threatens northern Alberta town [Video]

The residents of Swan Hills were told Monday to be ready to flee within an hour’s notice — and by suppertime, that order came.

An Alberta Emergency Alert issued at 6:16 p.m. said the fire was seven kilometres away from the town — closer than in the morning — so the community’s 1,300 residents were told to evacuate south with their pets, important documents, medications, a full talk of fuel and enough supplies to be away from home for at least three days.

The Town of Swan Hills said a reception center has been set up at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt, located about 80 kilometres to the south, and all residents were asked to register there.

For those who can’t drive themselves, the town said a bus at the Keyano Centre parking lot will give them a ride.

The Edith Lake wildfire broke out Sunday near the …