MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The reception centre set up at the Water Valley Community Hall for Municipal District (MD) of Bighorn wildfire evacuees is open under reduced hours Thursday.
Established Tuesday night, the centre is staffed by Mountain View County and MD of Bighorn employees offering assistance to evacuees and others impacted by the wildfire about 25 kilometres to the west.
While it has been operating until 11 p.m., it will close Thursday at 8 p.m.
The MD of Bighorn declared a state of local emergency Wednesday in response to a wildfire.
"While there is no imminent threat to any structures, the MD is taking this proactive step to ensure efficient management of this emergency," the MD said.
The declaration follows an evacuation order for anyone in the north Ranchlands area in the MD, north of Highway 579 and south of Highway 734. A map of the evacuation area has been provided by the municipality and road closures are in effect for Highway 579, Highway 40, Burnt Timber Road and Stud Creek Road.
The fire was about 73 hectares in size Wednesday, which is smaller than what wildfire officials estimated Tuesday night under cover of darkness and smoke.
A second wildfire to the west of the one near Water Valley sprung up Wednesday in the MD. Initial assessment of the fire took place around 7:17 p.m. Wednesday. It was listed as being 0.01 hectares in size.
Officials emphasize there is no immediate risk to Water Valley or Mountain View County properties.
- With files from Jessica Lee.
