Residents of Milk River, Alta., were forced to leave town after a serious grass fire started spreading in the area Monday.

An evacuee centre was opened in Raymond for Milk River residents. The centre was originally in the Village of Coutts, but was forced to move because of a drastic change in wind conditions.

Milk River Mayor Terry Michaelis said fire crews are expected to work all night dousing hot spots.

"There are lots of areas they can't get into," he said. "If the winds come back tomorrow we'll be in trouble."

Michaelis said Calgary police officers are helping to patrol the town while residents are under an evacuation order.

Officials say residents needing transportation to Raymond should call 1-403-647-3773.

Smoke is severely reducing visibility and creating hazardous road conditions.

The comes as fire crews battle a massive blaze near Lethbridge where hundreds of people were forced to leave their homes.