A state of local emergency is in effect for the Summer Village of Sandy Beach after a wildfire destroyed several homes on Saturday.

The village’s mayor, David Noyes, told CBC News Sunday morning that the wildfire had been contained at two hectares, but that the fire had destroyed three houses and damaged another. 

Firefighting crews from multiple surrounding jurisdictions were deployed to the scene, according to a social media update from Sturgeon County Saturday night.

Noyes said that the evacuation alert is still in effect due to a windy weather forecast that he says could push the fire back toward the village.

“Just the direction of the wind is not in our favor right now,” Noyes said.

“We have 50 crew members on the ground now. They are currently hitting hotspots to try to get ahead of the potential change in weather that has been predicted.”

Noyes said if the wind direction shifts northwest, as the weather forecast predicted — which could potentially push the fire back into the village — then an evacuation order would be triggered.

In a statement posted to the village’s website around 11:30 a.m., officials said fire crews worked through the night to fight the fire, and that there was no further damage to structures. It said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The initial alert

A provincial wildfire alert issued Saturday just before 10 p.m. said the wildfire is burning on the east side of Sandy Lake near the village.

The alert said wind direction is forecast to change Sunday morning, which may push the fire toward Lakeshore Drive. It said if this occurs, an evacuation may be required.

Everyone along Lakeshore Drive and on the east side of Sandy Beach must be prepared for a possible evacuation, the provincial alert warned.

The village, located about 65 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, has approximately 278 full-time residents.

Wider concern

Counties and towns around Edmonton have issued fire advisories or fire bans due to increased risk.

Leduc County, Brazeau County, Lac Ste. Anne County, and Westlock County are all under fire advisories. Residents are advised to follow the rules in each area for what burns are allowed.

Sturgeon County and Parkland County are currently under fire bans, meaning no outdoor wood or charcoal fires are permitted until further notice.

Barrhead County is under a fire restriction notice. The action suspends all burn permits and prohibits burn barrels, large burn pits, and incinerators. No new fire permits will be issued.

The bans and restrictions come as gusts of wind blow through most of the province Sunday.

A fire in Parkland County near Range Road 10 and Beau Rand estates prompted an evacuation alert Sunday afternoon for everyone in the area between Range Road 11 to Range Road 281, and from the river north to Township Road 505, including Beau Rand Estates.

In the alert, the province is asking residents in that area to fuel up, gather important documents and pack a bag with medications and clothes to last up to 72 hours.