Update #3
As of 3:55 p.m., the evacuation order in Woodlands County has been lifted.
An evacuation order for an area south of Highway 43, from the West Ridge subdivision (Range Road 114), east to and including Range Road 111A, has been in effect since Monday, May 11.
Although the local state of emergency continues, residents from all three zones can return home. Returning residents are asked to be patient and go slow as crews are still working to extinguish the fire.
The area is open to local traffic only; non-residents are to stay away from the area until further notice. Additionally, drones are not permitted to fly over the evacuation area.
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Update #2
Alberta Wildfire says fire WWF017, which prompted an evacuation in the West Ridge area of Woodlands County on May 11, is now classified as under control at 51 ha.
Firefighters are extinguishing remaining hotspots and removing dangerous trees near structures and roads.
As progress continues, residents returning to the area are asked to avoid burnt areas, as trees and their roots could be damaged and fall at any time.
Officials say the wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is now moderate due to decreasing temperatures and higher relative humidity. Regardless, individuals enjoying the outdoors this long weekend are asked to act responsibly.
Campfires should be fully extinguished before leaving your site; Alberta Wildfire says abandoned campfires account for a large portion of human-caused wildfires in the province annually.
Since Jan. 1, there have been 18 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning about 133 ha.
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Re-entry has begun for more Woodlands County residents who were forced from their homes Monday after a wildfire broke out southeast of Whitecourt, near the West Ridge subdivision.
The county has established three zones, and residents from Zone 1 are starting to return today. Zone 3 residents started returning yesterday
The entry point is located at Range Road 113 and Highway 43, and a detour is set up at Range Road 114.
Residents will need to present their personal ID and complete a waiver to receive a pass to enter the area, as the wildfire is still ongoing, although it is being held.
The county asks travellers in the area to avoid Highway 43 unless necessary, as traffic will be heavy today.
Zone 2 residents are also asked to be patient and avoid the area until their zone is also approved.
Evacuation updates are available on the Woodlands County website. Updates on the wildfire can be monitored on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
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