Effective at 2: 00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the Mandatory Evacuation Order for Lessard Lake Estates subdivision in Lac Ste. Anne County has been rescinded.
According to Alberta Emergency Alert:
“As the fires in Lac St. Anne County are contained but remain active, residents are reminded that the danger of wildfire is not over and with the weather forecast indicating high temperatures and little to no precipitation for the upcoming weekend, they must remain vigilant.”
Meantime, residents of the following areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice:
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- Lac Ste. Anne County, in the area north of Township Road 560 and south of Highway 43, and between Range Road 60 to 53 and the community of Cherhill.
According to Lac Ste. Anne County:
“Reminder that a COMPLETE FIRE BAN remains in effect until further notice!
If you see smoke or fire, please call 9-1-1 to report the location. Additional information may be found at www.albertafirebans.ca.
All updates and directives related to wildfires will be posted to the County website and Facebook page.
Visit www.CountyConnect.ca and opt in to the County’s emergency notification system to receive wildfire status updates via text, email or voice message.”
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Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of Brazeau County, including the town of Drayton Valley. A state of local emergency remains in these communities.
Evacuees should register in Edmonton at the Expo Centre, Hall C, at 7515 118 Avenue.
Fully evacuated acute care facilities include:
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- Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre: All patients were safely evacuated on May 5.
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 10, 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 firefighters and helicopters to assist Brazeau County with this wildfire.
According to Brazeau County:
“Weather has helped slow the fire’s growth in the past two days and allowed crews to establish and reinforce perimeter control in certain areas. Additional resources have been brought in to give some much needed rest to local fire crews who have been working on this incident since May 3.
Utility providers are working in the community and affected area to protect and maintain critical infrastructure. The majority of the evacuation area has retained power service with some brief and intermittent power outages.
Additional ground resources to bolster fire suppression efforts on the ground have been requested and are expected to arrive in the coming days. The fire continues to be classified as out of control. Crews need a couple more days of similar weather to increase perimeter control and we should be able to provide a more detailed update for you on Friday.”
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Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of Yellowhead County (Wildwood, Lobstick, Hansonville, Brazeau Dam). However – Evacuation Order lifted as of 08:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, for the Hamlet of Evansburg and the rural areas east, north and south of Wildwood.
A state of local emergency remains in the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County. Evacuees should register at 2701 1 Avenue, Edson.
Evacuated health facilities:
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- Evansburg Health Centre/Good Samaritan Pembina Village closed on April 30.
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 10, 2023:
- “Wildfires EWF-035, WCU-001 and WCU-002 are part of the Deep Creek Complex and will be reported together.
- Wildfires WCU-001 and WCU-002 are in the area of Evansburg, Entwistle, Wildwood, Lobstick and Hansonville. They are classified as out of control at 7,254 hectares (WCU001) and 2,400 hectares (WCU002).
- Wildfire EWF-035 is located 3 km southeast of Shining Bank and is classified as out of control at 5,027 hectares.
- There are 69 firefighters working alongside 14 pieces of heavy equipment on the complex. Additionally, nine helicopters are performing bucketing operations on the wildfires near affected communities.
- Wildfire EWF-031 is located 25 km west of Lodgepole, 20 km northwest of Brazeau Dam and 14 km southeast of Edson. It is still classified as out of control at 77,920 hectares.”
According to Yellowhead County:
“The Evacuation Order is being lifted at 08:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 for the Hamlet of Evansburg and the rural areas east, and north and south of Wildwood. However, the Hamlet of Wildwood, Lobstick Resort, Hansonville and Highway 16, and areas south of Highway 16 from Range Road 81 to Reno Road, as well as Highway 16A to Range Road 75 are still under evacuation order and residents in this area are not returning at this time but is planned for later this week.
Re-entry plans are being done for the Hamlet of Wildwood, Lobstick Resort, and Hansonville. Assessments are being done for property and structures in these locations.
Damage assessments are still ongoing for other areas in the east end of the County.
The wildfire risk has been reduced thanks to firefighting efforts and the shift in weather. 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.
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.
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, 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.
For more re-entry tips and information, please check out the re-entry package on the Yellowhead County website. The package includes safety information, insurance information, and a list of contact numbers for utility services will be posted shortly.
Please call the Evacuation Centre at 1-833-334-4630 for any questions about assistance.
Information Session for Evacuated Residents May 10, 2023 2:00 p.m.:
Edson Leisure Centre
There will be an information session for all evacuated Yellowhead County evacuated residents. The meeting is at the Edson and District Leisure Centre (1021 49 St. in Edson).
Please share this post with any evacuees.
Please call 1-833-334-4630 for more information.
Returning Evacuees in Evansburg:
ATCO Gas has advised the following:
– They will have crews in the community going door-to-door to restore gas service to each home.
– If residents are home, they will assist with relighting appliances. If they are not home, gas will be turned back on, and they can relight appliances on their own upon return.
– If their teams cannot leave the gas on for some reason, they will leave a card at the door to prompt residents to call them.
– If residents want assistance with relights or have any other issues, contact ATCO Gas at 310-5678
According to the Town of Edson:
“A reminder that the wildfire in the area is still active/out of control and we have some hot, dry temperatures coming up. It’s really important that everyone stays prepared. While we’re not under an evacuation alert at the moment, we do live in a forest area and conditions can change quickly.
We’ve had a lot of comments about people planning to stay if this happens again. We understand the disruption this causes in everyone’s life. It’s not easy on anyone. However, we’ve also seen many situations in the past few weeks where emergency crews have had to be pulled away from firefighting operations to rescue people that didn’t evacuate.
Life safety is the number 1 priority and not leaving during a mandatory evacuation can create dangerous, potentially life threatening situations for residents and emergency responders. Medical/Ambulance services may also not be available and if you stay behind. Please keep this in mind and follow directions during any emergency to help keep everyone safe.
Re-entry booklet with great safety tips, phone numbers, and information is available at www.edson.ca.
Town Operations: Most Town facilities (Public Works, Civic Centre, Protective Services) are now open 9am to 4pm to allow time for staff to be briefed in the morning. These hours will be in place for the rest of the week.
The Leisure Centre will be open for program registrations today with regular pool operations planned to return Thursday, with the exceptions of swimming lessons. Those will be cancelled for this week.
Yellowhead County ECC # – 1-833-334-4630 (Current Evacuation/wildfire emergency updates)
Wildfire Info line – 310-4455 https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473)
Edson Hospital: The emergency department has re-opened with staff and physicians. There is no inpatient/admissions services yet, but EMS is available to transfer to other communities if required.
Medical Clinic: Open with adjusted hours and processes. Call for more details 780-723-5531 or go to their Facebook page.
Water Ban: The water ban remains in effect. That means all outdoor water use is prohibited, bulk water hauling is suspended, grass watering is not allowed, spray park is closed, and all water conservation measures remain in place until further notice.
Waste Collection: Back on the regularly scheduled collection schedule. Please visit www.edson.ca/residents/curbside-waste-collection for more information.
Sani Dump: Edson’s Sani-Dump is open. It’s located at 1st Avenue between 56th and 57th Street, west of the RCMP building.
Landfill: Open regular hours. The existing wood products ban will remain in place until further notice.
Missing Pets: We recognize that pets may have been displaced during the evacuation order. We are gathering information on who to contact to claim or locate your pets. Please continue to visit our social media channels and website for updates on missing pets.
Evacuation Expenses: First step should be to contact your insurance provider. Most home insurance covers these types of expenses. The Alberta Government is also setting up some assistance for those out for 7 days and other information for evacuees. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx.
The province will be holding more Telephone Town Hall Meetings from tonight to Sunday from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
How to participate:
Phone: 1-833-380-0691
Listen and ask questions online
If you have questions about your supports application:
Call 310-4455 (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Or contact Alberta Supports: Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (Monday to Friday – 7:30 am to 8 pm)
In-person: Visit an Alberta Supports Centre
We’ll post more information and updates as they become available.
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Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the Town of Fox Creek, Little Smoky and surrounding areas. A declared state of local emergency continues in Fox Creek.
Evacuees should register at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, at 58 Sunset Boulevard in Whitecourt.
Fully evacuated acute care facilities include:
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- Fox Creek: All patients were evacuated and moved to alternate sites on May 6.
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 10, 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 helicopters conducting bucketing operations.
Click here for the latest from Mayor Gilmour and council.
According to the Town of Fox Creek:
“Today’s focus will be much the same as yesterday’s. Crews will work on containment guards and reduction burns. The Town remains intact.
Working link to the telephone townhall:
https://video.teleforumonline.com/video/streaming.php…
I understand it will be rebroadcast but have not confirmed yet.
Also, Albertans who are evacuated and looking for more information can attend nightly telephone town halls with government and partner organizations to get answers to their questions.
When: Wednesday, May 10 to Sunday, May 14 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
How to participate – Phone: 1-833-380-0691
Listen and ask questions online: https://video.teleforumonline.com/video/streaming.php…”
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Declared states of local emergency (SOLE) remain at:
According to Parkland County on May 10, 2023:
“Our fire crews continue working hard to secure the perimeter of the fire with anticipated hot, dry weather coming this weekend. The wildfire has been reassessed at approximately 7,254 Hectares in size, with the portion in Parkland County (east of Pembina River) being around 2,000 Hectares.
Residents who are just returning home are advised to run the hot and cold on their taps for a few minutes before using water. Other information on re-entry can be found at www.parklandcounty.com/RR70.
Entwistle Community Recreation Centre is open with coffee and snacks from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for residents looking for support and information.
Evacuees can apply for the Government of Alberta’s financial support by visiting https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx#financialsupports. TriCALA will be available at the Entwistle Centre for residents who need assistance applying. The library will be back to normal operating hours beginning Thursday and can also assist residents.
The Wabamun Office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as a reception centre.
WEE Food Bank is open 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for those in need (780-727-4043).
Residents are advised to be ready for any emergency alerts throughout the next few days with warmer temperatures.”
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According to Woodlands County on May 10, 2023:
“Hot and dry weather trends creep back into the forecast and wildfire risk increases.
Preparedness is critical in managing the unexpected. Ensure your family is ready for anything.
https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness.aspx
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
Roadways in the area continue to open up as some communities are headed home and some plan re-entries.
Always check https://511.alberta.ca/ before heading out and know alternate routines for your journey.
Stay prepared. Stay informed. Stay safe.”
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