Re-entry has started for the Town of Edson and the remainder of Yellowhead County.
Town officials would like to remind everyone, however, that they can also view Thursday’s recorded online Facebook posts on the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Facebook pages.
Digital re-entry map – https://yhcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4d5b72a6e5af43ad829263c807c966f7
Municipal officials say fire crews are taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and recent precipitation to hit the fire hard and continue to add fire guards. It’s important to note though that the fires remain out of control and are very close to populated areas. This is why a 4-hour evacuation advisory remains in place, officials point out.
For re-entry information and contact numbers, see the re-entry package at https://www.edson.ca/public/download/files/229444.
Limited services will be available as people return, but the Town says businesses are working hard to open as soon as possible. Grocery, pharmacy, gas, and other services have committed to opening by Friday.
Please note, however, there are LIMITED MEDICAL SERVICES at this time. Basic EMS is said to be in place, however, the emergency department may not be open for several days. AHS says it is working on that now and they will have updates as they move through that process.
According to Yellowhead County, bussing is available for Edson and Yellowhead County evacuees who require transportation service home from Edmonton.
– Busses will be at the Expo Centre at 4:00 pm on June 15, 16 and 17 to load, so please make sure you get there early so you don’t miss the bus.
– To register for bussing, or if you need transportation to the Expo Centre to meet the bus, please call 780-974-4864 and they will help you make arrangements. You can also register for bussing at the Lodging/Transportation desk at the Expo Centre.
– Care packages including water and snacks will be available for evacuees to take for the trip home.
– We will provide door to door drop off upon return to our community.
– NOTE: It will take time to restore essential services such as Emergency Medical services, grocery stores and gas reconnected to homes in Edson, so the Expo Centre reception centre will remain open for a few more days to ensure evacuees have the option to remain in Edmonton until services are restored in our community.
To get detailed information on the fires across Yellowhead County, as well as photos, visit https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update.
