Officials now say the wildfire southeast of Whitecourt, affecting the West Ridge subdivision in Woodlands County, is classified as ‘being held.’
An evacuation order remains in effect for east of Range Road 114 and south of Highway 43.
There is no evacuation or advisory issued for the Town of Whitecourt at this time.
Officials confirmed last night that at least one home had been destroyed by the fire.
The fire is about 51 hectares, and has forced 150 families, and 424 people total from their homes.
An evacuation centre has been set up at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt.
We will share more updates as information becomes available.
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Fire Advisory In Effect
A Fire Advisory remains in effect for Whitecourt.
• Existing fire pit and fire burn permits will remain valid and new permit requests will still be approved on a case by case
basis.
• Under this advisory, backyard fire pit and campfires are still allowed, but extreme caution is advised.
For information on fire restrictions and bans throughout the province, visit www.albertafirebans.ca.
Evacuation Reception Centre
The Allan & Jean Millar Centre has been accepting evacuees from Woodlands County, and has registered approximately
430 people. Those who have been evacuated to Whitecourt should contact Woodlands County for further instructions and
evacuation information after registering at the Evacuation Reception Centre.
Be prepared
There are no alerts issued for Whitecourt at this time; however, community members should be prepared for an emergency.
Make an emergency plan with your family; have an emergency kit ready in your home and car.
For tips and checklists, visit www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness.aspx.
Online Resources
• Wildfire Status – https://www.alberta.ca/wildfi re-status.aspx
• Emergency Alerts & Evacuation Orders – https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx
• Travel Information – https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts
