By The Canadian Press on June 30, 2023.
LITTLE BUFFALO, Alta. – A rapidly growing wildfire has prompted a mandatory evacuation order for a hamlet in northern Alberta. Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council has instructed residents of Little Buffalo to leave immediately. They are being asked to follow the directions of emergency responders, and are reminded not to take cut lines or back roads to the evacuation zones to ensure they are not trapped if the fire changes direction. Earlier Friday afternoon, Peace Regional RCMP notified residents that the community was at risk because high winds were accelerating the growth of a wildfire. Flames soon jumped the highway, cutting off access in the direction of Peace River, and the Mounties warned people to be prepared to evacuate toward Red Earth Creek with little to no notice. RCMP and other emergency responders have been going door to door to notify residents of the evacuation. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2023. 8