Fire officials say several crews working from the ground and air are battling a 15 hectare fire that is currently out of control west of Whitecourt.
Woodlands Area Sustainable Resource Development say the fire is burning about 300 metres away from the Eagle River Casino, which has now been shut down as a precaution.
Whitecourt fire officials, RCMP and Fish and Wildlife officers are directing traffic on Highway 32. The highway remains open, but RCMP may close it if deemed necessary.
Sustainable Resource communications officer, Shannon Stambaugh, says there are currently two air tanker crews, one helicopter and two ground crews battling the blaze. She says a CAT unit, another helicopter, another ground crew and two water trucks are also being sent in.
The 15 hectare fire is currently out of control, but Stambaugh says favourable weather conditions mean crews should be able to contain the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Residents in Whitecourt called CTV News shortly after the flames were spotted Sunday afternoon.
Bob Walker, a resident who lives just west of Whitecourt, says he called fire officials after he spotted the fire near his home.
