UPDATED: Voluntary evacuation notice for residence northwest of Moose Lake

UPDATE May 15, 4:55 p.m.: Fire broke through the northwest fire guards, moving northwest. Fire department units have been sent ahead to protect residences.

The wildfire that started Sunday evening near the hamlet of Dupre, approximately 15 kilometres northwest of Bonnyville, has changed course again, resulting in a voluntary evacuation of residents in the area of Township 62-7 W4. The fire is now listed as out of control.

At around 3:30 p.m. on May 15, the Bonnyville Fire Department issued the voluntary evacuation of all residents in the area, which is located northwest of Moose Lake and southwest of Iron River.

Evacuees are asked to re-locate to the Centennial Centre in Bonnyville.

People are also asked to stay off Moose Lake until further notice, as water bombers are currently using the lake to fill their tanks.

The wildfire started around 6 p.m. on May 13, causing a large, dark grey cloud of smoke to rise above the MD of Bonnyville and move east towards Cold Lake. The fire ripped through forested areas, before reaching a marsh-like around Forsyth Lake.

Water bombers, helicopters and ground crews from Bonnyville and area fire stations were on hand providing assistance to Alberta Sustainable Resource Development officers.

Later that evening the wind shifted and began pushing the fire in a southerly direction, towards Highway 660 and the Moose Lake Campground.

Air and ground crews pulled out at around 12 a.m. on May 14, due to darkness, however, Cat units continued to work, building a fire guard around the perimeter.

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Air and ground crews returned to fight the blaze Monday morning at around 7 a.m. and managed hold it by late Monday afternoon.

Cat units continued to build fire guards around the fire into Tuesday.

But by Tuesday afternoon the wind had shifted again, this time pushing the fire back northwest.

The fire initially burned back over itself, but eventually started growing again, which led to the latest voluntary evacuation notice.