Emergency officials are battling a wildfire near the rural community of Tomahawk in Parkland County.

The fire flared up Thursday afternoon near the hamlet south of Wabamun Lake. Photos and videos from area residents showed trees burning and a huge plume of black smoke in the air.

The smoke could be seen from as far away as Drayton Valley and Seba Beach.

County fire crews were too busy responding to the fire to speak with Global News on Thursday. However, a government spokesperson said Alberta Wildfire crews were providing mutual aid support.

It’s not known if any homes are threatened or if anyone has been asked to evacuate.

Air tankers were working in the area with more on way, the province said.

The county west of Edmonton had been under a fire bans and restriction since mid-April, however they were lifted on Tuesday of this week.

Global News has a crew in the area and this story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Fire bans, restrictions issued for many Alberta municipalities due to tinder dry spring conditions

— More to come….