Wildfire burning near Fort McMurray [Video]

An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.

The fast-growing wildfire burning 16 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city had grown to 1,000 hectares by 7 p.m., up from 200 hectares one hour earlier.

The fire prompted evacuation alerts for Fort McMurray and the Hamlet of Saprae Creek Estates to the south.

Residents were asked to be ready to evacuate on short notice, keeping medication, important documents and emergency kits ready. Officials warned that smoke from the fire could impact visibility on Highway 63 south of the Fort McMurray.

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The Fort McMurray Forest Area was under an “extreme” wildfire danger, according to the Alberta Wildfire website. A fire restriction is in place.

Officials reported Friday night that strong winds were expected to last overnight, further driving “extreme fire behaviour.”

Four wildland firefighter crews were working on the fire, alongside three …