200 evacuated from northern Alberta reserve as fire threatens road

About 200 people have fled their community in northernAlberta due to a wildfire.

Audrey Meneen, director of emergency management for Tall CreeFirst Nation, says the wind shifted and was blowing the fire towardsthe main highway.

She says officials had previously decided if the fire wasthreatening to cut off Highway 88, they would evacuate the communityas a precaution.

Meneen says residents went to High Level, about 160 kilometresnorthwest of the reserve, and were staying at a hotel.

The Alberta government says the fire was five kilometres from theTall Cree First Nation, about 650 kilometres north of Edmonton, on Thursday.

There were also four wildfires burning north of Meander River andthat community's residents were on evacuation alert.

The Alberta government says hot, dry conditions are pushing thethreat of wildfires in forested areas to extreme levels.

The province says wildfires that start under these conditions cangrow very large, very quickly and are very difficult to put out.

There are 46 wildfires listed as out of control Thursday and thegovernment says there is a strong likelihood of more fires caused bylightning strikes.

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement fornortheast Alberta due to wildfire smoke.

It says people should be aware of potential health concerns, andthat even healthy individuals may experiencetemporary irritation ofeyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.