The provincial state of emergency continues in Alberta today (May 7, 2023).
Government officials noted 10 wildfires in particular they are focusing their efforts on.
Some of those fires include one that is southeast of Edson at the Minnow Lake Provincial Recreation Area which officials say has been overrun by a wildfire.
Two more are located near Evansburg, Entwhistle, Wildwood and Hansonville, where both are classified as out of control.
Another is at the southern edge of Drayton Valley in Brazeau County, and one near the O’Chiese First Nation outside of Rocky Mountain House, among others.
As a result, Alberta 511 has issued a Hazardous Road Conditions Alert for all provincial roadways in Alberta. Everyone must avoid all non-essential travel in all fire affected areas, as no services will be available along affected routes, so please plan travel accordingly.
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Alberta Health Services noted on Sunday that AHS sites safely evacuated and closed to date are:
- Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre
- Edson Healthcare Centre
- Fox Creek Healthcare Centre
- High Prairie Health Complex
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The Town of Edson and Yellowhead County plan to announce a re-entry plan on Monday, May 8, 2023. At 8:00 a.m.
According to Yellowhead County officials:
“The Evacuation Order is being lifted at 08:00 a.m. on Monday, May 8th, 2023 for Marlboro to the Chip Lake area. This includes the Town of Edson. Please contact the ECC at 1-833-334-4630 for assistance beyond what is listed below. Damage assessments are still ongoing for the east end of the County.
The wildfire risk has been reduced thanks to firefighting efforts and the shift in weather. There is no longer an immediate risk.
However, the order being lifted will only be for some areas in Yellowhead County at this time.
Areas 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 are still under evacuation order and residents in this area are not returning at this time.
If you live west of this area, you can return to your home. 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.
Bussing will be available from the reception centres, taking people back to Edson. Transportation from the drop-off points will also be provided.
Jasper Bus – Assemble at the Jasper Activity Centre at 11:00 a.m., departing at 12:00 p.m.
Hinton Bus – Assemble at Hinton Recreation Centre at 10:00 a.m., departing at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Safety is a priority for re-entry. Please drive safe. We encourage people stagger their re-entry if possible.
A reminder that wildfires may still be active in the area. Please stay prepared for potential changes in the situation. Please check 511.alberta.ca for anyone coming from other areas. Some routes may still be closed.
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.
Planning is currently underway to ensure the resumption of municipal services such as waste collection and other essential services.
Emergency crews will still be working in the area. Please give them space and allow them to operate. Fire bans are still in place across the County, Edson Forest Area, and in the Town of Edson. A water ban is also in place for the Town of Edson.
For more re-entry tips and information, please check out the re-entry package on the Town and Yellowhead County Websites. The package includes safety information, insurance information, and a list of contact numbers for utility services.
You can find the package at https://yhcounty.ca/edson-yc-re-entry-booklet/
For more information call 1-833-334-4630.”
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A Mandatory Evacuation Alert remains in effect for Lessard Lake Estates, but other areas of Lac Ste. Anne County have their Alert rescinded.
According to County officials:
“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.”
The County has closed the Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre, and has instead moved to phone-in registration. Any affected resident with questions or requiring assistance is encouraged to contact the County Administration Office at 780.785.3411 (toll-free 1.866.880.5722) or LSAC@LSAC.ca.
For updates go to www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert or stay tuned to local media.
Additional information: http://www.lsac.ca
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Brazeau County has expanded its evacuation areas.
Update on County operations 7:55 p.m., May 7, 2023:
“The current focus for the County is responding to the wildfire, and to operate critical infrastructure such as water and wastewater treatment facilities. Road maintenance work outside of the evacuation areas will continue if it is safe to do so.
Activities associated with the Brazeau County Administration Building, such as planning and development, agricultural equipment rentals, and committee meetings are suspended until further notice. The building is within the evacuation area.
The May 9 Council meeting and the May 10 Municipal Planning Commission meeting are cancelled.”
According to Brazeau County on May 7:
“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.
A change in weather patterns could materially affect the current status of the fire. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, and all first responders and staff dealing with this incident appreciate the well wishes.
The preservation of life and protection of property are our first priorities, so we ask that you remain out of the evacuation area, and please call to offer resources as noted below.
Untracked and unapproved resources, volunteers and contractors in the incident scene put their own safety at risk, as well as the safety of our emergency responders. Uncoordinated activity hinders our emergency responders’ ability to effectively fight this fire.
If you have equipment and operators, or firefighting qualifications and certifications, please call 780-542-7777 to share your information, so that you can be called upon if needed.”
The evacuation order remains in effect for residents from Township 482 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.
All evacuees from Drayton Valley and Brazeau County are encouraged to register as this will allow the Town and County to share important messaging with you. This will also allow the municipalities to have an understanding on how many evacuees there are.
You can register by calling 780-542-7777 or online by clicking this link and filling out the form: https://forms.gle/X36MWtqe1Z5LvkG89.
Evacuate to Edmonton and register at the Expo Center, at 7515 118 Ave at Hall C. If you need help evacuating, call 780-542-7777.
According to Brazeau County on May 6, 2023:
“The Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County established a registration system for evacuees in the region. 2,304 homes in Drayton Valley and 1,200 homes in Brazeau County have been evacuated. As of this evening (May 6), a total of 1,402 households have registered on the system, approximately 61 per cent of evacuees.”
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 7:
- 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.
Additional information: ExpoCenterMap.JPG, http://www.alberta.ca/BePrepared, http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert, https://www.facebook.com/brazeaucounty/, https://www.facebook.com/townofdraytonvalley/
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Evacuation Order remains in effect for the Town of Fox Creek.
A message from the mayor of Fox Creek.
As of 1:00 p.m. on May 7, 2023, according to Northern Gateway Public Schools:
“VALLEYVIEW SCHOOLS CLOSURE FOR MONDAY, MAY 8:
Due to the continued variable fire conditions and the evacuation of staff and families, all Valleyview schools, Northern Gateway Public schools and Holy Family Catholic schools, will be closed on Monday, May 8.
FOX CREEK SCHOOL CLOSURE MAY 8 AND 9:
Due to the continued variable fire conditions and the evacuation of staff and families, Fox Creek School will be closed Monday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 9.
We continue to monitor the situation together with Holy Family Catholic Schools, our communities, and responders. We will continue to share information via Twitter, Facebook and ngps.ca. “
As of 11:30 a.m. on May 7, 2023, according to the Town of Fox Creek:
“The evacuation order is still in effect. 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.”
Evacuees requiring financial assistance, follow this link:
https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx
As of 9:22 a.m. on May 7, 2023, The Town says the fire has NOT reached town borders.
According to the Town of Fox Creek at 7:30 a.m. on May 7, 2023:
“As of last night: 2 crews assisting the town, 2 dozers and fire department working to enhance the perimeter guard around the town. Fire behaviour specialists are consulting and additional airtanker support requested. Estimate: 15,000 hectares.”
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 7:
- This wildfire is located in the Fox Creek Area. It is classified as out of control at 8,500 hectares.
- Alberta Wildfire along with the local fire chief will be assessing the situation today
The province has initiated a central web page and contact centre for information, resources and financial support for evacuees (province-wide).
It can be accessed here: https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx/#jumplinks-0
Additional information: http://alberta.ca/BePrepared, https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts
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An Evacuation Order remains in effect for the MD of Greenview due to wildfire, but some residents allowed to return home.
As of 6:00 p.m. on May 7, 2023:
From: Valleyview RCMP & Municipal District of Greenview
“With the recent changes in weather and fire situations, the evacuation area previously issued has been reassessed, and residents west of Williamson Provincial Park and North of Highway 43 will be allowed to return home. All other evacuations remain in place, including the Sandy Bay Area.
Everyone in the area of Township 730 to 710, and Range Road 245 to Highway 49 must evacuate immediately. Everyone must immediately evacuate to Memorial Hall at 4808 50th Street, in Valleyview.
If you need assistance evacuating, call 780-524-3345. Bring all important documents, medications, food, water, pets, and important supplies to be away from your home for up to three days.”
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Parkland County’s Evacuation Order remains in effect.
This Evacuation Order remains in effect for everyone west of Range Road 65 near Entwistle, north of Township Road 530 to south of Township Road 534, including all residents of Entwistle as there is a wildfire near the Hamlet of Entwistle.
If you need help evacuating, call 780-203-3258. Highways are closed in the area and others are experiencing congestion.
Please visit 511.alberta.ca to confirm your route. Visit parklandcounty.com/RR70 for updates.
According to Parkland County on May 6:
“The evacuation order will remain in effect until our fire team deems the area safe to return home.
Parkland County residents that are evacuated are still asked to register at Jubilee Hall or by phone. We understand that this is a stressful time for our evacuated community members; we are here to help if you are struggling. Please contact the reception centre with any concerns regarding lodging, food, transportation or any other urgent needs by one of the following methods:
In-Person – Jubilee Hall reopens Sunday, May 6 at 7:30 a.m.
Phone (24hrs): 780-203-3258
Online: EmergencyRegistration.alberta.ca.
After a long week, our fire crews remain dedicated to their operation to battle the fire and protect structures within the evacuation zone. Parkland County will be conducting an assessment of fire affected structures and will have more information regarding any damage or losses in the coming days.”
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 7:
- This wildfire is the area of Evansburg/ Entwhistle/ Wildwood/ Hansonville. They are both classified as out of control at 8,586 hectares (WCU001) and 2,400 hectares (WCU002).
- Alberta Wildfire has resources responding to this wildfire with 59 firefighters, 14 pieces of heavy equipment and nine helicopters.
Additional information: http://www.alberta.ca/BePrepared, http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert, https://www.parklandcounty.com/en/range-road-70-fire.aspx.
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