An out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray in northern Alberta has shifted away from homes as aircraft and ground crews work to contain the flames.

Officials say the fire is burning more to the south and away from a trailer park and a residential neighbourhood that are under an evacuation order.

Melissa Blake, mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, says the wildfire is burning erratically and could shift direction again if the wind changes.

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She says the situation looks good but the community is still in peril.

Blake says about 500 people are out of their homes as a precaution.

Other areas reporting extreme wildfire hazards include the Slave Lake and Whitecourt regions northwest of Edmonton.