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Wildfires prompt evacuations in communities across Southern Alberta

Strong winds whipped up grass and wildfires across southern Alberta Tuesday.

Dozens of people from the Sharp Hill neighbourhood, on the southeast edge of Airdrie, were evacuated due to a fast-moving wildfire that started near the QEII Highway.

Residents were asked to go to Genesis Place at 800 East Lake Blvd NE to register.

Most of them were being allowed to return home Tuesday night.

RCMP confirm one home was destroyed and two were damaged in the Sharp Hill neighbourhood.

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Four local states of emergency are still in effect.

The worst situation is in the Crowsnest Pass, where an out of control fire is threatening the community of Coleman.

About 150 residents of Coleman were forced out Tuesday after downed power lines started the blaze, driven by high winds.

Mayor Blair Painter says it was frightening.

“We had 130 km/h gusts yesterday right?” Painter explained. “Probably a steady wind of about 100 and gusts up to 130 and guys are even having a hard time standing up. Yeah it was pretty scary”

Two barns and two outbuildings went up in flames and there was also damage at the local fish hatchery.

East of Calgary, residents of Gleichen and Carseland were told to leave their homes as a huge grass fire neared the community.

Part of the nearby Siksika Nation was also evacuated.

The blaze is now considered “under control.”

Wheatland County declared a state of emergency.

People were forced out of their homes on the western edge of the town of Coleman in the Crowsnest Pass, because of a fast-moving wildfire.

RCMP say Highway 3 will be experiencing traffic disruptions both east and westbound. Drivers should avoid travelling through Crowsnest Pass at this time.

Further south, in Lethbridge, police were warning people in the Scenic Heights neighbourhood that a mandatory evacuation may be required, due to a fire west of the city.

West of Lethbridge, the Moon River Estates were evacuated because of a wildfire.