UPDATED at 4:30 p.m. on May 17, 2023
The Town of Valleyview has updated its mandatory evacuation orders.
Officials with Alberta Emergency Alert say the wildfire burning north and west of Valleyview continues to impact residents of the Town.
The Town is still under an emergency evacuation. Evacuate on Highway 43 south to Whitecourt. Evacuees can register at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Blvd.
Bring important documents, medication, pets and enough food and water for three days. If you need help evacuating go to Polar Palace Arena, 4429 52 Ave. or call 780-524-9583. Stay tuned to local media, valleyview.ca or the Town Facebook page for updates as they are available.
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 17, 2023:
- Wildfire GWF-023 is located approximately 10 km northeast of Valleyview. It is classified as out of control at 3,400 hectares.
From the Town of Valleyview:
Message on Behalf of Danny Cress, Town of Valleyview Community Peace Officer:
“Regarding rumours that have been circulating on Facebook concerning RCMP members entering private residences and removing firearms, I would like to reassure the public that this is false.
The RCMP presence within the Town of Valleyview is for the purpose of protecting dwellings and property, at which they have been doing an outstanding job. RCMP have also been tremendous in assisting the Town in the evacuation process and providing ongoing patrols.
Any questions or concerns may be directed to Officer Cress at 780-524-5150 or Corporal Kevin Woytas at 780-524-3345.”
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An Evacuation Order remains in effect for areas in the Municipal District of Greenview.
According to Alberta Emergency Alert, the alert is in effect for Fox Creek to Little Smoky and all areas immediately surrounding these communities up to Highway 947.
A wildfire has forced the evacuation of the entire Town of Fox Creek, Hamlet of Little Smoky and surrounding areas. If you are in the affected area, evacuate immediately to Whitecourt on Highway 43. Evacuation Order remains in place.
A reception Centre is located at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre at 58 Sunset Blvd in Whitecourt. Evacuees are required to register.
For highway closures, check 511 Alberta and stay tuned to local media or call 780-524-6584 for assistance.
Residents between Township Road 683 and 670 and Range Road 232 and 211 must prepare to evacuate on a 1-hour notice.
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 17, 2023:
- This wildfire is located 27 km southwest of Little Smoky. It is currently classified as out of control at 7,850 hectares.
- This wildfire is located in the Fox Creek area. It is classified as out of control at 46,915 hectares.
According to the MD of Greenview at 10:00 p.m. May 16, 2023:
“SWF-064 is located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills, is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 22,222 hectares. Smoky conditions prevented firefighters from observing the wildfire today and all firefighting efforts were focused on SWF063 and SWF057. There are two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.
WWF023 was detected on May 5, is burning out of control at approximately 46,915 ha in size. The wildfire is approximately 4.5 km north of the town of Fox Creek and 10.6 km southeast of Little Smoky, as of May 16.
Resources allocated to this fire include helicopters with bucketing support, heavy equipment and firefighting crews.
Established Fox Creek structural protection includes protection for all critical infrastructure, containment guards established by dozers groups with support from industry, along with wet sprinklers as further assistance for the containment guards, and ground retardant has been applied around the community perimeter, with support from industry.
Additionally, three structural groups from municipalities in the Alberta Wildland Urban Interface Fire Structure Protection Program have been working together on structural protection for the community.
Helitack crews from Oregon and Cypress Hills, as well as a pre-suppression crew from Quebec continue to assist with firefighting efforts. Crews will continue searching for hotspots on an ongoing basis.
Wildfires burn very hot and will burn into the ground. The situation remains ever-changing and conditions on the fire line will continue to vary due to forecasted weather. Limited visibility today has prevented personnel from obtaining an accurate assessment or size estimate.
High temperatures and dry conditions are anticipated to continue this week. Little or no precipitation is expected this week. Grasses and other fuels remain dry. Tomorrow, winds are forecasted to weaken and shift to blow from the SE-NE.
Evacuation Alerts/Orders
An Evacuation Order was updated on May 15, 2023 at 8:00 pm for the entire Town of Fox Creek extending down to Highway 947, the Hamlet of Little Smoky and surrounding areas.
An Evacuation Alert remains in place in an area north of the Hamlet of Little Smoky to be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
GWF027 – is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 20,000ha. This fire is located 27 km SW of Little Smoky and continues to show very aggressive fire behavior. This wildfire is an active crown fire burning in continuous spruce and pine fuel type. Dozer unit is on standby and will start working once it is safe to do so. An ignition specialist and assessor is assigned to this fire.”
Additional information: LittleSmoky_Fire_EvacMay2023-New.jpg, http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert, http://www.alberta.ca/BePrepared, https://mdgreenview.ab.ca/, https://511.alberta.ca/
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An Evacuation Order remains in place for parts of Yellowhead County, east of Shining Bank Lake.
According to Alberta Emergency Alert, the Evacuation Order is for everyone in the area:
North of Township Rd 550, east of Highway 32, south of Township Rd 570 east to Range Rd 130, south to Township Rd 561, and west of Range Rd 120.
Residents in this area need to evacuate. There is a wildfire east of Shining Bank Lake. The established evacuation routes are:
South on Range Rd 130; south on Highway 32; west on Highway 748; or south on Highway 751. The Shining Bank Reception Centre will be at the Holiday Inn in Edson at 4520 2 Ave. Evacuees can register at the Reception Centre or call 1-833-334-4630. Note: the Reception Centre will be closing at 7:00 pm Wednesday night and will re-open Thursday morning, May 18th at 8:00 am.
Gather pets, important documents, medication, food, water, supplies for at least three days. Go to www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert, local media for updates.
Additional information: Shiningbank-AEA-Evacuation-ORDER-Map-May-14-Hwy-32.jpeg
A Wildfire Alert remains in place for Carrot Creek, Niton, and the Mackay areas of Yellowhead County.
According to Alberta Emergency Alert, the Evacuation Alert is for everyone in the area:
North of Highway 16 to south of Township Rd 550, east of Highway 32 to west of Highway 751. This includes the community of Niton Junction.
Residents in this area need to prepare to evacuate. There is a wildfire east of Shining Bank Lake. Please call 1-833-334-4630 for more information.
Everyone in the affected area must prepare for a possible evacuation. Gather pets, important documents, medication, food, water, supplies for at least three days. This alert will be updated if an evacuation is required. Go to www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert, for updates.
Additional information: Niton-Area-AEA-Evacuation-ALERT-Map-May-16.jpeg,
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 17,2023:
- Wildfires WCU-001 and WCU-002 are in the area of Evansburg, Entwistle, Wildwood, Lobstick and Hansonville. They are classified as out of control 7,281 hectares (WCU001) and 2,401 hectares (WCU002).
- Wildfire EWF-035 is located 3 km southeast of Shining Bank and is classified as out of control at 5,952 hectares.
- 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 82,666 hectares.
WATCH: Information Session for Yellowhead County Residents: May 17, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
From Yellowhead County on May 17, 2023:
“DRONES continue to be an issue as fire crews battle the wildfires in Yellowhead County.
DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRE ACTIVITY! YOU ARE IMPACTING OUR AERIAL OPERATIONS AND PUTTING OUR PILOTS AND STAFF AT RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH!
A drone in the area means we must land ALL aircraft in the area.
If you know of someone flying a drone in wildfire areas, please report them. If it’s an emergency and they’re currently flying, CALL 9-1-1 FIRST.
Call with your initial report as soon as possible after the occurrence. A standby investigator from Transport Canada is ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call toll-free: 1-800-387-3557.
To report use that you know has occurred, use this online form: https://tc.canada.ca/…/drone-safety/report-drone-incident.”
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A Mandatory Evacuation Order remains in effect for the Town of Swan Hills.
According to the Town of Swan Hills, they will be issuing daily updates at 2:00 p.m.
UPDATE 6 – May 17, 9:21 a.m.
“The registration centre remains open today at the Barrhead Agrena (5607 47 Street) for Swan Hills evacuees who have not yet registered. If you have evacuated to somewhere other than Barrhead, it is important that you register your evacuation status. Please call 825-977-4382 or 825-977-1462.
Evacuees requiring medication or other personal items can make a request at the Reception Centre in the Barrhead Agrena at 5607 47 Street. For more information, please visit the reception centre.
Meals will be served to evacuees at the Barrhead Agrena on May 17. Lunch will be served at noon and supper at 6 pm.
UPDATE 5 – May 16, 10:37 p.m.
Our registration centre and phone lines remain open. Please be persistent and keep calling if lines are busy.
Registration centre is located at the Barrhead Agrena (5607 47 Street). If you are not coming to Barrhead, register your evacuation by calling 825-977-4382 or 825-977-1462.”
According to Alberta Wildfire on May 17, 2023:
- Wildfire SWF-064 is located over 40 km northwest of Swan Hills is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 22,220 hectares.
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A Wildfire Alert remains in place for a southern portion of Woodlands County.
According to Alberta Emergency Alert, this alert is in effect for everyone in the area:
North of Township Rd 561, west of Range Road 120 south of Groat Creek Road, Twp Rd 584 west of the McLeod River to RR 144, east of the McLeod River to RR 123 at Whitecourt Mountain.
There is a wildfire south of Township Road 570, west of RR 123, north of Twp Rd 560 and east of Shining Bank. No evacuation is required currently. With worsening weather conditions, officials note this fire could force evacuation of the affected area.
Everyone in the affected area must prepare for a possible evacuation. Gather pets, important documents and medication, enough food, water and supplies for at least three days. This alert will be updated if an evacuation is required. Stay tuned to www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert, local media for updates.
Additional information: Zone-1-EWF035-11-May-2023.png, http://alberta.ca/BePrepared, https://woodlands.ab.ca/
From Woodlands County, 10:05 p.m., May 16, 2023:
“Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Alberta due to wildfire smoke causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke.
My Health Alberta: https://bit.ly/2xdxh4v
Health Canada: https://bit.ly/3MwI0f3
Woodlands County is aware of the Alberta Emergency Alert (AEA) Evacuation ORDER issued by Yellowhead County.
View the AEA Order: https://bit.ly/432CExK
Wildfire crews will work to extinguish hotspots on the northern boundary of EWF035/Shining Bank Fire tomorrow as they flare-up and create smoke. The fire has not jumped the perimeter. Alberta Wildfire anticipates winds from the north-northwest in the morning, then shift and come from the northeast around noon. Winds are then expected to switch and come from the southeast on Thursday.
Woodlands County has ground crews on scene connecting in-person with residents. The Woodlands County AEA Evacuation ALERT remains in place.
View the AEA Advisory here: https://bit.ly/42IFE2j
The importance of preparedness and being informed is key in these situations.
Emergency Planning: https://www.alberta.ca/make-an-emergency-plan.aspx
Alberta Wildfire Status: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.aspx
Alberta Emergency Alert: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx”
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There is a modified Evacuation Order for parts of Brazeau County.
According to Alberta Emergency Alert, this alert is in effect for areas in Brazeau County, and the Town of Drayton Valley.
The order has been lifted for the remainder of Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley.
If you are returning home, drive with caution as there is thick smoke from the wildfire. Expect heavy traffic and delays. Follow Drayton Valley and Brazeau County social media for updates and further instructions on re-entry.
Additional information: AEAmap.png
From Brazeau County on May 17, 2023:
“Please note that as the Canadian Armed Forces have been utilizing the Omniplex at the invitation of incident command, there is no public access at this time to the Omniplex, MacKenzie Conference Centre, or the Ricochet Oil Corp Aquatic Centre.
The road next to the Drayton Valley Museum from Highway 22 is also closed.
The public can access the sani-dump by using 49th Avenue near the ARC Bark Park or from 45th Avenue near Park Place.
Please note the Buck Creek Wildfire call centre number at 780-542-7777 will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning today (May 17). This line is for questions regarding re-entry.
For questions related to accessing supports and resource navigation, please call Drayton Valley Family and Community Support Services at 780-514-2204 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Please be sure to consult the re-entry checklists and re-entry booklet available at https://www.draytonvalley.ca/…/Re-Entry-Booklet_final.pdf and https://www.brazeau.ab.ca/fire
Please be patient as call volume may be high.
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