Wildfire destroys homes in Sandy Beach, Alta., emergency declared

A wildfire in the Summer Village of Sandy Beach, Alta., destroyed three homes and damaged another, prompting a local state of emergency, according to village officials. Mayor David Noyes said the fire has been contained, but an evacuation alert remains in place because forecast winds could shift the flames back toward the community. Fire crews from several nearby jurisdictions worked through the night to suppress hotspots and limit further damage. The village, about 65 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, said the cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials warned residents along Lakeshore Drive and on the east side of Sandy Beach to be ready for a possible evacuation if conditions worsen.