Wildfires force more evacuations

North Tallcree First Nation was forced to declare a local state of emergency on July 2 as a 5,800-hectare wildfire burned 10 km west of the community. Firefighters prevented the fire from entering the community by bulldozing a 20 km long fireguard. Approximately 200 residents were forced from their homes on July 2 and heavy smoke in the area closed Highway 88. Evacuees stayed in High Level. The fire grew in size and came to within three kilometres of the townsite. As slower wind speeds and temperatures prevailed, the fire burned south and southwest, away from the community. On July 7, the evacuation notice was lifted and residents returned home. Another 118 residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure from Meander River on July 2. They also returned home a short while later.