Officials have ordered an evacuation for the Town of Leader due to wildfires in the immediate area.

All residents are being directed to leave the community using Highway 21 south and Highway 44 east to Kindersley. Residents who cannot self-evacuate are asked to go to the community hall where transportation will be made available. Those evacuating are being urged to not travel in the direction of the fire.

The Cypress Health Region is also conducting an evacuation of long-term care residents at the Western Senior Citizens Home and patients of the Leader Hospital.

Earlier this evening, town of Burstall and RM of Deerforks #232 were the first areas to be issued a forced evacuation.

More to come.