Update #2
As of 10:45 a.m. on May 14, Woodlands County says Zone 3 of the evacuation area near the West Ridge subdivision has been approved for re-entry beginning at 3 p.m. today.
Entry points will be located along Highway 43 at Range Roads 113 and 112. Returning residents should have identification ready to show county staff, who will issue you a pass and re-entry guide.
Dumpsters will be on site for resident use in the event there is food spoilage or other waste.
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Woodlands County and Alberta Wildfire have started conducting safety assessments of the evacuation area impacted by an ongoing wildfire.
Alberta Wildfire declared fire WWF017 was being held on the afternoon of May 13, meaning it’s not expected to grow beyond its current boundaries. It’s estimated to be about 51 ha in size.
Despite the progress, an evacuation order remains in effect for east of Range Road 114 and south of Highway 43.
The evacuation area has been divided into three zones. Zone three was assessed yesterday, and zones one and two are expected to be assessed today. The county says staff will be contacting evacuees from these zones to share photos and details about their properties.
So far, one structure loss has been reported, and the county says the property owner has been contacted.
A phased re-entry plan is in development, which the county expects will occur over several days. Re-entry will only occur once Alberta Wildfire deems the area safe.
In the meantime, the county is offering hotel and meal vouchers until May 16, but it does not anticipate them being needed at that time.
Residents are still asked to stay clear of the area.
Updates on the wildfire can be monitored on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard and the Woodlands County Facebook page.
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