Wildfires near Janvier forced Highway 881 to close for up to 16 hours on Wednesday evening. The highway reopened around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, but Alberta Transportation closed the highway again shortly before 5 p.m. The road then reopened around 7:15 p.m.
The Wednesday evening closure cut off Janvier and the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation from Fort McMurray, the Thursday closure cut off Janvier and Conklin, cutting off the hamlet from Lac la Biche.
The Chipewyan Prairie First Nation announced a voluntary evacuation on Wednesday for people at risk as a precaution. This includes seniors, small children and babies, those with breathing issues and others considered to be vulnerable.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has not yet ordered an evacuation order for Janvier.
The closest wildfire to Janvier is 15 kilometres north, and 2.14 kilometres in size.
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