Hundreds of evacuees from the Wabasca area have made their way to reception centres in Calling Lake and Athabasca.
A wildfire near Wabasca has forced the evacuation of the community, as well as the four Bigstone Cree Nation (BCN) reserves that surround it.
As of early Monday afternoon, the Calling Lake reception centre, based at the Calling Lake Community Centre and arena, was completely full, with close to 2,000 evacuees registered, including close to 500 in tents and motorhomes.
Evacuees are now being sent to the Athabasca Regional Multiplex. As of early Monday afternoon, close to 50 evacuees had registered in Athabasca with more on the way. Others have also evacuated to the Ramada Hotel in Westlock.
According to Municipal District of Opportunity representatives, there has been no structural damage to any residences in Wabasca or BCN Reserve C, which is closest to the wildfire.
The Athabasca Regional Multiplex served as an evacuation centre almost exactly four years ago, and a wildfire ravaged the community of Slave Lake.
