NANTON, AB – A wildfire is burning out of control west of Nanton, whipped up by extreme windy conditions.
An Alberta Emergency Alert was issued late Tuesday night warning of a fire on the west side of Highway 22, south of Highway 533 in the MD of Ranchland.
As of 6:00 am today, the blaze was still classified as being out of control.
At one point, nearby residents were told to evacuate and head to Nanton, however emergency officials now say those who were evacuated are allowed to go back home as they are no longer at immediate risk.
People living between Highway 533 and Chimney Rock Road in the MD of Ranchland are on standby to leave again if the wind happens to shift.
Wind gusts have been a major issue all across southern Alberta overnight into Wednesday with gusts approaching 140 km/h in many areas.
Wildfire Alert Updated Dec01 551AM Take necessary precautions. Ranchland #66 https://t.co/L8ht6OCtPQ #ABfire #ABemerg
— AB Emergencyalert (@AB_EmergAlert) December 1, 2021