UPDATE: 6:00 p.m., May 8, 2023
In Woodlands County, Alberta Wildfire has notified Woodlands County that EWF035 has entered the municipality.
According to Woodlands County:
“Wildfire EWF035 is part of the Deep Creek Wildfire Complex that includes two other fires in Yellowhead County and Parkland County. This complex has been assigned to an Incident Management Team from Alberta Wildfire. AB Wildfire crews have created and are assessing an action plan for the fire that includes ground and air support.
The fire has not grown in the past 24 hours. The perimeter has smouldering hotspots. Woodlands County is in contact with residents in nearby areas. No evacuation notices are issued.
Preparedness remains the public’s best tool. Visit Woodlands County website for guides, apps, and information. https://woodlands.ab.ca/p/emergency-preparedness.
Woodlands County is committed to providing updates as information is available. Sign up for BARCC Connect to receive alerts on your phone https://barcc.ca/m/sign-up.”
Below – Message from Edson Forest Area (May 8, 2023, 11:30am)
https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update
“DEEP CREEK WILDFIRE COMPLEX – includes EWF035, WCU001/002
EWF035 was detected on May 5 and is located 3 km southeast of Shining Bank. This wildfire is classified as out of control and estimated to be 5,072 ha in size. This wildfire has crossed highway 32 and is being continually assessed by Alberta Wildfire. There are crews and heavy equipment allocated to the wildfire and they’re working to establish containment lines to prevent further spread into rural properties. The north fire perimeter is a priority area for the containment line being built. Aircraft is available as requested.
As we continue to see cloud cover over the complex creating higher levels of humidity and will aid firefighters in their suppression efforts. Ground fire will be present throughout the wildfire areas. AB Wildfire is assisting Yellowhead County and Woodlands County with this wildfire.
62 firefighters worked alongside 14 pieces of heavy equipment on the complex. Additionally, eight helicopters performed bucketing operations on the wildfires near affected communities.
We will expect more light rain showers today and winds shifting to the northeast in the early morning.
If you have any questions or concerns about the DEEP CREEK COMPLEX please call the Wildfire Information Officer at 780-653-0153 and press 2 for information.”
Report Wildfires to 310-FIRE
Status Updates: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.aspx
Alberta Wildfire Information Line: 1-866-394-3473 (FYI-FIRE)
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In Parkland County, the mandatory evacuation order is now lifted for Entwistle and all evacuated Parkland County residents.
According to County officials:
“While it is still an active wildfire, our crews have secured the blaze on the east side of the Pembina River. The mandatory evacuation order is now lifted for Entwistle and all evacuated Parkland County residents. Highway 16 and Highway 22 will be open for Parkland County residents returning to their homes. Residents who require assistance to return may contact 780-203-3258.
If you are a resident returning home, please read the re-entry booklet on our website. This booklet covers information on what to expect, things you might see, utilities, insurance, and more.
Our thoughts are with residents who have lost property in the fire. There were a number of structures lost, including 3 houses as well as structures associated with popular local business Pembina River Tubing.
The Entwistle Community Recreation Centre will be open today until 7:00 p.m. for residents with questions or concerns. Evacuees can also call 780-203-3258.
Please be aware that fire crews are still actively fighting the fire. Please do not drive over any inflated hose lines or interfere with any equipment that is set up. This is still an active fire, and the Provincial State of Emergency remains in place. While weather conditions have improved, please be on alert for any weather changes, as the situation could change quickly and residents may be asked to evacuate again for their safety. We appreciate your ongoing patience.
Officials are still in the process of testing water and confirming utilities. There is currently no natural gas in Entwistle. If you wish to remain evacuated while utilities are confirmed, please call 780-203-3258 to confirm you are staying evacuated.”
Parkland School Division has confirmed that the Entwistle School will remain closed tomorrow. Please visit https://entwistle.psd.ca/ for further education updates.
Residents with breathing/health concerns may want to remain evacuated due to air quality. You can find the air quality map here: https://www.alberta.ca/about-the-air-quality-health-index….
Water testing is still in progress. Please monitor the Alberta Health Services website for any water advisories: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page1926.aspx
For further updates, please visit www.parklandcounty.com/RR70.”
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 8, 2023:
- These wildfires are in the area of Evansburg/ Entwistle/ Wildwood/ Hansonville. They are both classified as out of control at 9,898 hectares (WCU001) and 2,400 hectares (WCU002).
- Alberta Wildfire is responding to these wildfires with 59 firefighters, 14 pieces of heavy equipment and eight helicopters.
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Some areas of Yellowhead County and the Town of Edson have had their evacuation order lifted.
However, some areas still remain under evacuation order as wildfires remain in nearby areas.
Areas still under evacuation order are east of Range Road 110 (north of Chip Lake) and east of Range Road 101 (south of Chip Lake) and south of Township Road 560 in Yellowhead County.
Click here to watch an Information Session hosted by the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County.
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 8, 2023:
- Wildfire EWF-031 is located 14 km Southeast of Edson, Minnow Lake Provincial Recreation Area has been overrun by the wildfire. It is still classified as out of control at 77,920 hectares (ha).
- Alberta Wildfire is responding with heavy equipment and helicopters for use in bucketing operations. Heavy equipment continues to work on establishing guard along the north side of the fire, along with bucketing from heavy and medium helicopters.
- This wildfire saw low fire behaviour yesterday due to favourable weather conditions with lower temperatures and high relative humidity, and similar conditions are expected today.
According to Yellowhead County:
“The evacuation order for the Town of Edson and some areas of Yellowhead County, from Marlboro to the Chip Lake area, has officially been lifted. We have confirmed that Highway 16 between Jasper and Highway 751 (MacKay) is open, as well as Highway 32 from Whitecourt to Highway 16. There may be reduced visibility.
A few things of note as you return. Most importantly, drive safe and take your time getting back. Stagger your re-entry if possible. Please note that there will be no emergency physician services at the Edson Hospital until the ER can be opened and the Emergency Department staffed, which could be later in the day. Please continue to call 9-1-1 for emergencies. EMS/ambulance is available, as well as our Medical First Responders/Fire services.
If you are not able to return home due to the evacuation order still in place in some areas of Yellowhead County you can stay at your current location, make other arrangements, or if you have nowhere to go, you can check-in at the Edson Reception Centre at the Edson and District Leisure Centre (1021 – 49 Street) to discuss accommodations.
Both Town and County residents should check utilities on arrival to ensure everything is operational. If you have utility concerns, please contact your service provider as soon as possible.
Services such as grocery services, pharmacies, and gas stations should re-open as soon as possible, but residents need to be prepared for a reduction in service until staff are in place.
Fire bans remain in place and the Town of Edson is still under a water ban.
The ECC number is 1-833-334-4630 for any wildfire/re-entry related questions.”
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In the Municipal District of Greenview, residents west of Williamson Provincial Park and North of Highway 43 are allowed to return home.
However, the MD of Greenview is in a State of Local Emergency due to the ongoing developments with wildfires in the area. As a result, all other evacuations remain in place, including the Sandy Bay and Grovedale areas.
Click here for more information on the evacuation zones in the MD of Greenview.
According to the MD:
“There is no imminent danger to the community at this time. If the situation should change, we will advise residents immediately.
Greenview will host a Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 9:00 am, including Reeve Tyler Olsen, Director of Emergency Management, Fire Chief Wayne Brown and RCMP Sergent Chris Power.
The Virtual Town Hall link will be provided to the public once available. Please stay tuned to Greenview’s website and social media channels.
The public is advised that for the duration of the emergency, Greenview may take any action it deems necessary to deal with the situation. Residents should use the Government of Alberta Wildfire website as their primary source of information on the government’s response and emergency measures by visiting https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire.aspx and the MD of Greenview website at https://mdgreenview.ab.ca.
The health and safety of our staff, residents, and communities remain our top priority. All updates regarding our response to the wildfire situation will be posted on our website as they become available.”
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An Evacuation Order remains in place for all lots within Lessard Lake Estates in Lac Ste. Anne County, located at 5124 Township Road 554, on the south side of Lessard Lake.
Everyone from Lessard Lake Estates must remain evacuated at this time.
Information for evacuated residents of Lessard Lake Estates will be available on http://lsac.ca, or by calling the County office at 780-785-3411. Stay tuned to http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert and local media.
According to Lac Ste. Anne County:
“The conditions within Lac Ste. Anne County have improved and the status of the two wildfires is now considered contained and held.
A MANDATORY EVACUATION ALERT remains in effect for all lots within the Lessard Lake Estates, pending utilities restoration and the completion of site hazards mitigation. The safety of those residents are paramount, and it is possible that this may remain in effect for as long as a week.
All other Lac Ste. Anne County area evacuation alert notices have been rescinded.
Residents that were on evacuation alert should remain vigilant and prepared in the event that conditions worsen with new fire starts that may impact them.
The County reminds all residents that a Fire Ban and an ATV/UTV Ban (including dirt bikes) remains in effect. As fire risks still remain high, and precipitation remains minimal, there is the potential for conditions to worsen anywhere in the County. If you see smoke or fire, please call 9-1-1 to report the location.
All updates and directives related to the wildfires will continue to be posted to the County website and Facebook page. Residents who visit www.CountyConnect.ca and opt in to the County’s emergency notification system can also receive wildfire status updates via text, email or voice message.
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In the Town of Fox Creek, the evacuation order is still in effect and residents are not allowed to return to their homes at this time until further notice.
According to Town officials:
“Although weather conditions have been favourable, the Fox Creek fire is not under control and still poses a risk.
We are continuing to monitor the fire situation with the province, fire department and crews. When it is safe to do so, we’ll notify residents about plans for re-entry once the evacuation order is lifted.
The Town is intact.
The Town says there are people trying to return to their home but PLEASE DON’T. The town is still evacuated. The fire is not under control. Residents will be turned away by RCMP or Peace Officers located at all entrances.
Firefighting crews are on site securing the Town’s perimeter with a backburn. Backburns are intentionally started, controlled, small supervised fires used to create a break in the larger fires path. Controlled backburns use up the fuel, over a prescribed distance, as a measure to choke, or prevent, the fire from spreading in that direction. “
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 8, 2023:
- This wildfire is located in the Fox Creek Area. It is classified as out of control at 21,568 hectares.
- Alberta Wildfire is responding with firefighters, heavy equipment, and aircraft.
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In the Town of Drayton Valley and parts of Brazeau County, the fire remains out of control on Monday.
Click here to watch a media briefing today with Drayton Valley/Brazeau County Fire Chief, Tom Thomson, Drayton Valley Mayor, Nancy Dodds and Brazeau County Reeve, Bart Guyon.
Click here to watch a video message from Drayton Valley Mayor, Nancy Dodds.
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 8, 2023:
- Wildfire RCU-005 is 2 km from the south edge of Drayton Valley. It is classified as out of control at 3,500 hectares.
- Alberta Wildfire has sent wildfire fighters and helicopters to the wildfire. Airtankers will also be supporting the firefighting efforts today.
According to Town and County officials:
“The wildfire remains OUT OF CONTROL. There is no timeline for when this status is expected to change.
We are working diligently to contain the fire with all available and appropriate resources. Do not approach the evacuation area for your own safety, and to allow emergency responders to work.
We understand that there are rumours circulating that the community is safe and that you can return to the community. THIS IS FALSE and you will be turned away at the checkpoints that have been set up along the perimeter.
The Alberta Emergency Alert shows as no longer in effect on the provincial Alberta Emergency Alert website. The evacuation order and evacuation notice remain in effect. The States of Local Emergency also remain in effect.
A change in weather patterns could materially affect the current status of the fire.
The evacuation order remains in effect for residents in the following area: from Township 480 North to Township 494 and Range Road 64 West to Range Road 90. This includes the entire community of Drayton Valley. From Highway 39 North on the east side of the North Saskatchewan River is NOT part of the evacuation order.
If you have not yet registered, please do so by calling 780-542-7777 or online by clicking this link and filling out the form: https://forms.gle/X36MWtqe1Z5LvkG89.
Anyone that has had to leave pets behind, please use this link to register your animals https://forms.gle/42zFdD7SFWmerCed9 or call 780-542-7777. We have a team comprised of Peace Officers and Bylaw Officers from Drayton Valley, Morinville, and Lacombe County; the SPCA; locksmiths; and veterinarians to look in on your domestic pets.”
