Airdrie-area neighbourhood evacuated as wildfire destroys home

Read the latest on the wildfires in Alberta |Wildfires force multiple evacuations across southern Alberta

A neighbourhood southeast of Airdrie, Alta., was placed under a sudden evacuation order Tuesday afternoonas a grass fire whipped up by strong winds raced toward homes.

RCMP said in a release theevacuation of the Sharp Hill community was ordered as flames approached "at a high rate of speed."

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Rocky ViewCounty said all residents have been safely evacuated toGenesis Place and that one home has been destroyed by the fire.

"A massive response from Rocky View County and Airdrie fire services now has most of the fire under control, although the flare up of hot spots is still a concern" reada statement from the county.

"At this time, there is no time frame for residents to return to their homes."

The grassfire was also slowing traffic along Highway 2 nearAirdrieas the flames approach the roadway.

Two people in the area told CBC News they saw structures burning, including homesand barns.

Images posted to social media also depict structure fires.

Three more fires have also forced evacuations in Alberta: Coleman, in the Crowsnest Pass, Gleichen, east of Calgary and Hilda, near the Saskatchewan border.

Environment Canada issued a wind warning for Airdrie, Calgary, Rocky View County and other parts of southern Alberta at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

An intense low pressure system was generating wind gusts of between 100 and 130 km/h, the agency said.

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