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Update 15: Alberta wildfire situation (May 18, 5:30 p.m.)

Press Release

May 18, 2023

Albertans are being asked to restrict recreation on public land as wildfire risk remains extremely high throughout much of the province.

Those evacuated due to wildfires should register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.

Current situation

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • A fire ban and an off-highway vehicle restriction are in place across the Forest Protection Area.
  • The fire danger is very high to extreme in northern Alberta and high to very high along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. Increasingly hot and dry conditions are expected in the coming days.
  • Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
  • Some communities remain affected by poor air quality. Ensure you remain up to date on special air quality statements and advisories.
    • Learn more about the potential affects of wildfire smoke on your health.
  • Evacuation orders: 17
  • Alberta Emergency Alerts: 18 (10 orders, eight alerts)
  • Number of evacuees: 10,523
  • Alberta has more than 2,500 personnel currently working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada and the United States as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • An additional 113 firefighters from the United States and 18 firefighters from the Yukon are expected in the coming days.

New information

  • While fire danger remains extreme throughout most of the province, a voluntary recreation restriction on public lands and a number of provincial park closures are in effect ahead of the long weekend.
  • You can view a full list of closures and restriction details.
  • The evacuation orders for the town of Valleyview, Big Lakes County and Brazeau County have been lifted.
  • The Canadian Red Cross is launching an Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations program to deliver urgent and ongoing support for people affected by wildfires across Alberta. Eligible community organizations providing immediate relief assistance may apply for $5,000 in one-time funding. View full program eligibility criteria.

Support for evacuees

  • Since the announcement of one-time emergency financial assistance for evacuees, more than 11,800 applications have been processed.
  • More than $17 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees.
  • More than $4.4 million in debit cards has been distributed.
  • Debit cards are available for evacuees unable to receive an e-transfer at 18 Alberta Supports Centre locations with extended hours and at Edmonton and Calgary evacuation centres.

Donations

  • Albertans who wish to help can make cash donations through the Canadian Red Cross or within their regions to a recognized charitable organization of their choice.
  • The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will each match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal. This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.
  • Individuals and companies with goods or services to offer or donate to support the government’s response to the wildfire can email [email protected].

For more information on the emergency and supports for evacuees, go to alberta.ca/emergency.

Related information

Multimedia

Backgrounder

Previous updates

Update 14: Alberta wildfire situation (May 17, 5:30 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • A fire ban and an off-highway vehicle restriction are in place across the Forest Protection Area.
  • The fire danger is very high to extreme in northern Alberta and high along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. Increasingly hot and dry conditions are expected later this week.
  • Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
  • Air quality remains poor as wildfire smoke continues to drift into communities.
    • Learn more about the potential affects of wildfire smoke on your health.
    • Wildfire smoke can travel long distances. Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke affecting your area is coming from.
  • Evacuation orders: 20
  • Alberta Emergency Alerts: 17 (12 orders, five alerts)
  • Number of evacuees: 11,990
  • Alberta has more than 2,500 personnel currently working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada and the United States as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • An additional 21 personnel are arriving today from New Brunswick.

Update 13: Alberta wildfire situation (May 16, 5:30 p.m.)

  • The evacuation order has been lifted for the Town of Drayton Valley and parts of Brazeau County. Re-entry began at 2 p.m.
  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • The fire danger is extreme in northern Alberta with temperatures expected to increase again toward the end of this week. A moderate to high fire rating remains for the Rockies.
  • Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
  • A fire ban and an off-highway vehicle restriction are in place across the Forest Protection Area.
  • Parts of Alberta are experiencing moderate to high-risk smoky conditions.
    • Learn more about the potential affects of wildfire smoke on your health.
    • Wildfire smoke can travel long distances.
    • Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke affecting your area is coming from.
  • Evacuation orders: 23
  • Alberta Emergency Alerts: 17 (12 critical alerts, five advisories)
  • Number of evacuees: 19,576
  • Alberta currently has more than 2,500 wildland firefighters, including personnel from partner agencies across Canada and the United States as well as the Canadian Armed Forces, 165 helicopters, 31 fixed-wing aircraft, and heavy equipment responding to wildfires in the province.
  • An additional 61 personnel are arriving today from Ontario, with 21 expected to arrive from New Brunswick tomorrow.
  • New information:
    • A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the town of Swan Hills at 1:15 p.m.
    • The evacuation order has been lifted for the town of Drayton Valley and parts of Brazeau County.
    • Re-entry operations for the town of Drayton Valley began at 2 p.m. today.
    • Local municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements may require financial assistance to compensate volunteer firefighters who may not be able to leave their regular jobs in order to join or continue firefighting efforts. Alberta’s government is providing additional support for local firefighting costs to help strengthen the province’s response capacity, improve public safety and assist communities during an unprecedented wildfire season.

Update 12: Alberta wildfire situation (May 15, 5 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • The fire danger is extreme in northern Alberta with hot, dry, windy conditions expected to persist in the coming days. A moderate to high rating is expected for the southern Rockies.
  • Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
  • A fire ban and an off-highway vehicle restriction are in place across the Forest Protection Area.
  • Evacuation orders: 15
  • Alberta Emergency Alerts: 17 (seven orders, five critical alerts, four advisories)
  • Number of evacuees: 19,294
  • Alberta currently has more than 2,500 wildland firefighters, 165 helicopters, 25 fixed-wing aircraft, and heavy equipment responding to wildfires in the province.
    • 1,649 Alberta Wildfire personnel are deployed across the province.
    • More than 600 wildland firefighters have come from British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, the Yukon, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Montana and Parks Canada to support ongoing operations.
    • There are currently 300 Canadian Armed Forces personnel assisting operations, providing resources and basic firefighting roles, airlift resources for mobility and logistical tasks including the evacuation of isolated communities, and engineering support, including heavy equipment resources as capacity allows.
  • An additional 62 personnel from New Brunswick and Ontario will arrive in the coming days.
  • New information:
    • A mandatory evacuation alert for the town of Valleyview was issued at 1:30 p.m. today.
    • Alberta Education will automatically exempt students evacuated due to wildfire from writing the diploma exams if they have been displaced from school for 10 or more school days and not have it count against their final grade.
    • Students who do not want the exemption can choose to either:
      • Write their diploma exams in a different community in June.
      • Write their diploma exams in August.

Update 11: Alberta wildfire situation (May 14, 5:45 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • Fire danger is growing from very high to extreme in many northern areas of the province. A wildfire can still start easily and spread quickly in these conditions.
  • There are 89 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area.
    • 25 are classified as out of control
    • 17 are being held and are not expected to grow beyond projected boundaries given current weather conditions and resources
    • 44 are under control
  • Evacuation orders: 14
  • Evacuation alerts: 8
  • Number of evacuees: 19,342
  • Alberta currently has more than 1,500 wildland firefighters, 151 helicopters, 25 fixed-wing aircraft, and heavy equipment responding to wildfires in the province.
  • A fire ban and an off-highway vehicle restriction are in place across the Forest Protection Area.
  • The province is working with local authorities in the County of Grande Prairie and the City of Grande Prairie to construct a fireguard around the city of Grande Prairie.
  • Additionally, the province along with local authorities with the Municipal District of Greenview are working to establish a fireguard around Little Smoky and along Highway 43.
  • Fireguards are barriers that are created by removing trees and other vegetation – essentially getting rid of the fuel for the fire.
  • Firefighters have been working hard preparing for more challenging conditions, building breaks around communities and making use of fresh firefighters coming in from outside the province.
  • More than 800 wildland firefighters have come from British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, the Yukon, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Montana and Parks Canada. This includes 200 wildland firefighters who recently arrived from the United States and are being deployed.
  • Canadian Armed Forces assist by providing personnel, resources, and basic firefighting roles; airlift resources for mobility and logistical tasks, including the evacuation of isolated communities; and engineering support, including heavy equipment resources, as capacity allows.
  • An additional 100 soldiers will be deployed in the coming days.
  • Crime prevention:
    • Alberta RCMP are using the RAVE Alert system to send tips about how Albertans can protect their properties in advance of being evacuated and updates on what the RCMP are doing in specific areas to deter and catch criminals who might take advantage of this provincial emergency.
    • Alberta RCMP are patrolling and monitoring evacuated communities, using a variety of tools and resources to minimize crime in affected areas. The RAVE Alert mass notification system will keep Albertans updated and informed of these activities.
    • People in areas affected by wildfires are encouraged to opt in to this free, voluntary system.
    • Individuals can sign up to get text, voicemail or email updates for areas of the province they choose at getrave.ca.

Update 10: Alberta wildfire situation (May 13, 6:00 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • Fire danger is growing from very high to extreme in many northern areas of the province. A wildfire can still start easily and spread quickly in these conditions.
  • There are 83 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area.
    • 22 are classified as out of control
    • 14 are being held and are not expected to grow beyond projected boundaries given current weather conditions and resources
    • 47 are under control
  • Evacuation orders: 10
  • Evacuation alerts: 5
  • Number of evacuees: 16,611
  • Alberta currently has more than 1,500 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and airtankers responding to wildfires in the province.
  • A fire ban and an off-highway vehicle restriction are in place across the Forest Protection Area.
  • The province is working with local authorities in the County of Grande Prairie and the City of Grande Prairie to construct a fireguard around the city of Grande Prairie.
  • Additionally, the province along with local authorities with the Municipal District of Greenview are working to establish a fireguard around Little Smoky and along Highway 43.
  • Fireguards are barriers that are created by removing trees and other vegetation – essentially getting rid of the fuel for the fire.
  • Firefighters have been working hard preparing for more challenging conditions, building breaks around communities and making use of fresh firefighters coming in from outside the province.
  • Another 250 firefighters are expected to arrive from the United States this weekend.
  • Alberta RCMP are using the RAVE Alert system to send tips about how Albertans can protect their properties in advance of being evacuated and updates on what the RCMP are doing in specific areas to deter and catch criminals who might take advantage of this provincial emergency.
  • Alberta RCMP will be patrolling and monitoring evacuated communities, using a variety of tools and resources to minimize crime in affected areas. The RAVE Alert mass notification system will keep Albertans updated and informed of these activities.
  • People in areas affected by wildfires are encouraged to opt in to this free, voluntary system.
  • Individuals can sign up to get text, voicemail or email updates for areas of the province they choose at getrave.ca.

Update 9: Alberta wildfire situation (May 12, 5:00 p.m.)

Those evacuated due to wildfires should register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • Today, the fire danger was expected to increase to extreme levels in the far northern parts of the province. Lower fire danger was expected in the Rockies.
  • There are 77 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area.
    • 22 are classified as out of control
    • 16 are being held and are not expected to grow beyond projected boundaries given current weather conditions and resources
    • 34 are under control
  • Evacuation orders: 16
  • Evacuation alerts: 5
  • Number of evacuees: 16,470
  • Alberta currently has more than 800 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and airtankers responding to wildfires in the province.
  • A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the hamlet of Little Smoky.
  • Evacuation orders are in effect for:
    • The following areas of the Municipal District of Greenview:
      • the immediate area surrounding the Hamlet of Little Smoky.
      • area north of Valleyview, including Township Road 730 to 710, from Range Road 245 to Highway 49.
      • south of Grovedale.
    • Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and surrounding area.
    • Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and Sandy Bay, north of Highway 43 and east of Young’s Point Road, including Cozy Cove and Boyd’s Lakeshore Properties.
  • An evacuation alert has been issued for Woodlands County and the Shining Bank area, both currently affected by the Deep Creek wildfire complex.
  • An evacuation alert has been issued for Clear Hills County to residents south of Highway 64 between Worsley and Cleardale.
  • The Whitefish Atikameg evacuation order has been downgraded to an evacuation alert.
  • 200 troops from the Canadian Armed Forces have been deployed to priority areas to assist with ongoing firefighting operations, with an additional 100 deploying this weekend.
  • Donations
    • Albertans who wish to help can make cash donations through the Canadian Red Cross or within their regions to a recognized charitable organization of their choice.
    • The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will each match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal. This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.
    • Individuals and companies with goods or services to offer or donate to support the government’s response to the wildfire can email [email protected].

Update 8: Alberta wildfire situation (May 11, 5:00 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • There are 77 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area.
    • 24 are classified as out of control
    • 36 are being held and are not expected to grow beyond projected boundaries given current weather conditions and resources
    • 17 are under control
  • Evacuation orders: 9
  • Evacuation alerts: 15
  • Number of evacuees: 16,493
  • Alberta currently has more than 800 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and airtankers responding to wildfires in the province.
  • The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta have announced a coordinated donation matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support the disaster relief efforts in Alberta communities affected by wildfire.
  • Alberta is now receiving assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces. Troops from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI) and 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER) are deploying to the Grande Prairie, Fox Creek and Drayton Valley areas to establish bases of operations and support firefighting efforts under the supervision of Alberta Wildfire.
  • The evacuation order has been lifted for the remainder of Yellowhead County, including Evansburg, Wildwood, Lobstick Resort, Hansonville and Brazeau Dam.
  • Re-entry operations for Wildwood and Hansonville began at 8 a.m. today.
  • Evacuees who had to leave pets at home due to wildfire activity can call the Alberta SPCA animal distress line at 1-800-455-9003 to have staff check on them.
  • Pharmacies across Alberta are ready to assist evacuated Albertans who do not have their required medication or don’t have enough medication. Please go to the nearest pharmacy and explain your situation. The pharmacist will assess your health care needs and consult with your regular pharmacist and health care provider, when possible, to confirm your prescription.
  • Albertans using the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program who may not have their required medical equipment and supplies can obtain a replacement. Clients who have lost their identification can contact an AADL authorizer or vendor with their name, address, date of birth, personal health number or any other information they can provide along with a description of what AADL-approved medical equipment and/or supplies were lost or damaged.

Update 7: Alberta wildfire situation (May 10, 5:00 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • Re-entry operations for Evansburg took place at 8 a.m. today. Evacuation orders remain in place for the areas of Lobstick Resort, Hansonville and areas south of Highway 16 from Range Road 81 to Reno Road and Highway 16A to Range Road 75 in Yellowhead County.
  • Re-entry operations for parts of Lac Ste. Anne County took place at 2 p.m. today. Evacuation orders remain in place elsewhere in Lac Ste. Anne County.
  • The High Prairie Community Health and Wellness Clinic re-opened today at 8:30 a.m. Any pre-booked appointments at the clinic will continue as planned. Walk-in services resumed with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Wildfire activity updates
    • The fire danger remains extreme in many northern areas of the province, which means there could be extreme wildfire behaviour. Despite cooler temperatures elsewhere, a wildfire can still start easily and spread quickly in these conditions.
    • There are 77 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area.
      • 23 are classified as out of control
      • 17 are being held and are not expected to grow beyond projected boundaries given current weather conditions and resources
      • 36 are under control
    • Given the fluid circumstances, the above numbers are subject to change. Up-to-date information on all wildfires is on the Alberta Wildfire dashboard and the Alberta Wildfire app.
  • Firefighting resources
    • More than 80 wildland firefighters are arriving today from Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.
    • Alberta currently has more than 700 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and airtankers responding to wildfires in the province.
      • So far, Alberta has received help from counterpart wildfire agencies in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. Alberta has requested additional resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg.
  • Evacuations
    • Evacuation orders: 13
    • Evacuation alerts: 15
    • There are currently 19 declared states of local emergency (SOLE) and four band council resolutions in effect.
    • An up-to-date list of all communities under evacuation order, notice or alert can be found at alberta.ca/emergency.
    • As of May 10, Alberta has recorded approximately 17,386 evacuees, with 13,829 evacuees confirmed as having registered at designated evacuation centres.
    • Residents in affected areas should follow local media, local municipalities and Alberta Emergency Alerts for updates and advisories.

Update 6: Alberta wildfire situation (May 9, 5:00 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • Gift Lake Metis Settlement is under an evacuation alert.
  • A portion of O’Chiese First Nation remains evacuated, with the remainder on evacuation alert.
  • Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas. Residents should check their local community’s routine communication channels for the most up-to-date information on orders and alerts in their areas:
    • Parts of Brazeau County, including the town of Drayton Valley. Evacuees should register in Edmonton at the Expo Centre, Hall C, at 7515 118 Avenue.
    • Parts of Lac Ste. Anne County. An evacuation order remains in place for all lots within Lessard Lake Estates, located at 5124 Township Road 554, on the south side of Lessard Lake. Evacuees should register at the Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre, at 4184 54 Street.
    • Parts of Yellowhead County (Evansburg, Wildwood, Lobstick, Hansonville, Brazeau Dam). Evacuees should register at 2701 1 Avenue, Edson.
    • Parts of the County of Grande Prairie. An evacuation order is in effect for all residents from Township Road 712 south to the Wapiti River and between Range Road 65 and Range Road 74, as well as all residents from Township Road 710 (correction line) south to the Wapiti River and between Highway 40 and Range Road 75. This includes up to the Dimsdale area. Evacuees should register at the Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie.
    • The Town of Rainbow Lake. Evacuees should register at the High Level Arena, at 10101 105 Avenue, High Level.
    • The Town of Fox Creek, Little Smoky and surrounding areas. Evacuees should register at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, at 58 Sunset Boulevard in Whitecourt.
    • East Prairie Metis Settlement. Evacuees should register at Elks Rodeo Hall on Highway 749.
    • Municipal District of Fairview (town of Fairview).
    • Little Red River Cree Nation (Fox Lake). Evacuees should register at the High Level Arena Complex, 10101 105 Avenue, High Level, or the Fort Vermilion Welcome Centre, 5001 44 Avenue.
    • Parts of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the Municipal District of Greenview. Evacuees should register at Memorial Hall, 4808 50 Street in Valleyview.
  • Residents of the following areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice:
    • 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.
    • Athabasca County, in the area of Range Road 214 and Range Road 215 north of Township Road 674. The prepare to evacuate notice for everyone else in the area between Jackfish Lake and the Athabasca River to the west remains in effect.
    • Gift Lake Settlement.
  • Nineteen declared states of local emergency (SOLE) and two band council resolutions include:
    • Big Lakes County
    • Brazeau County
    • Clear Hills County
    • Drayton Valley
    • Town of Edson
    • MD of Fairview
    • Town of Fairview
    • MD of Greenview
    • Town of Fox Creek
    • Gift Lake Metis Settlement
    • County of Grande Prairie
    • Town of High Prairie
    • Northern Sunrise County
    • East Prairie Metis Settlement
    • Peavine Metis Settlement
    • Lac Ste. Anne County
    • Parkland County
    • Town of Rainbow Lake
    • Yellowhead County
    • The Little Red River Cree Nation (Fox Lake) has declared a SOLE through Band Council Resolution
    • Whitefish Lake First Nation has declared a SOLE through Band Council Resolution

Update 5: Alberta wildfire situation (May 8, 6:00 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
  • The evacuation for the town of Edson as well as central and eastern parts of Yellowhead County has lifted. Some areas remain under evacuation order.
  • The Big Lakes County evacuation order has been downgraded to a one-hour evacuation alert. Large portions of the affected area currently have no electrical power or natural gas services.
  • The mandatory evacuation notice has been lifted in Northern Sunrise County. Residents are now allowed to return to their homes.
  • Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas. Please check alberta.ca/emergency or download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app for complete information:
    • Parts of Brazeau County, including the town of Drayton Valley. Evacuees should register in Edmonton at the Expo Centre, Hall C, at 7515 118 Avenue.
    • The entire town of Rainbow Lake. Evacuees should register in High Level at the High Level Arena, at 10101 105 Avenue.
    • Fox Creek, Little Smoky and surrounding areas. Evacuees should register at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, at 58 Sunset Boulevard in Whitecourt.
    • Parts of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the Municipal District of Greenview. Evacuees should register at Memorial Hall, 4808 50 Street in Valleyview.
    • Parts of the County of Grande Prairie. Evacuees should register at the Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie.
    • Parts of Big Lakes County. Evacuees should register at Elks Rodeo Hall on Highway 749.
    • Parts of Lac Ste. Anne County. Evacuees should register at the Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre, at 4184 54 Street.
    • Parts of Yellowhead County (east of Range Road 110 and east of Range Road 101 and south of Township Road 560). Evacuees should register at the Dr. Duncan Murray Rec Centre, 805 Switzer Drive, Hinton, or at the Jasper Fitness & Aquatics Centre, at 305 Bonhomme Street, Jasper.
    • Parkland County and the Hamlet of Entwistle. Evacuees should register at Wabamun Jubilee Hall, at 5132 53 Avenue in Wabamun.
  • Residents of the following areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice:
    • The Grovesdale area of the Municipal District of Greenview.
    • Clearwater County in the area west of Beaverdam Provincial Recreation Area and east of the Bighorn Dam, including the hamlet of Nordegg.
    • Parts of the County of Grande Prairie, including the Pipestone Creek area.
    • The town of Valleyview.
    • Lac St. 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.
    • Athabasca County, in the area of Range Road 214 and Range Road 215 north of Township Road 674. The prepare to evacuate notice for everyone else in the area between Jackfish Lake and the Athabasca River to the west remains in effect.
    • Big Lakes County
    • MD of Greenview, in the area west of Highway 40 and south of the Wapiti River to the British Columbia border.
  • Eighteen declared states of local emergency (SOLE) and two band council resolutions include:
    • Big Lakes County
    • Brazeau County
    • Clear Hills County
    • Drayton Valley
    • Town of Edson
    • MD of Fairview
    • Town of Fairview
    • MD of Greenview
    • Town of Fox Creek
    • Gift Lake Metis Settlement
    • County of Grande Prairie
    • Town of High Prairie
    • Northern Sunrise County
    • East Prairie Metis Settlement
    • Peavine Metis Settlement
    • Lac St. Anne County
    • Parkland County
    • Town of Rainbow Lake
    • Yellowhead County
    • The Little Red River Cree Nation (Fox Lake) has declared a SOLE through Band Council Resolution
    • Whitefish Lake First Nation has declared a SOLE through Band Council Resolution

Update 4: Alberta wildfire situation (May 7, 6:10 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455.
  • Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for the following areas. Please check alberta.ca/emergency or download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app for complete information:
    • Parts of Brazeau County, including the town of Drayton Valley. Evacuees should register in Edmonton at the Expo Centre, Hall C, at 7515 118 Avenue.
    • Parts of Northern Sunrise County.
    • The entire town of Rainbow Lake. Evacuees should register in High Level at the High Level Arena, at 10101 105 Avenue.
    • Fox Creek, Little Smoky and surrounding areas. Evacuees should register at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, at 58 Sunset Boulevard in Whitecourt.
    • Parts of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the Municipal District of Greenview. Evacuees should register at Memorial Hall, 4808 50 Street in Valleyview.
    • Parts of the County of Grande Prairie. Evacuees should register at the Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie.
    • Parts of Big Lakes County. Evacuees should register at Elks Rodeo Hall on Highway 749.
    • Parts of Lac Ste Anne County. Evacuees should register at the Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre, at 4184 54 Street.
    • Parts of Yellowhead County, including the town of Edson, should register at the Dr. Duncan Murray Rec Centre, at 805 Switzer Drive, Hinton or at the Jasper Fitness & Aquatics Centre, at 305 Bonhomme Street.
    • The communities of Whitefish River and Aitkameg. Evacuees should register at the Town of Slave Lake office, at 10 Main Street, Slave Lake.
    • Parkland County and the Hamlet of Entwistle. Evacuees should register at Wabamun Jubilee Hall, at 5132 53 Avenue in Wabamun.
  • Residents of the following areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice:
    • The Grovesdale area of the Municipal District of Greenview.
    • The area west of Beaverdam Provincial Recreation Area and east of the Bighorn Dam, including the hamlet of Nordegg.
    • Parts of the County of Grande Prairie, including the Pipestone Creek area.
    • The town of High Prairie.
    • Parts of Wetaskiwin County.
    • The town of Valleyview.
  • Eighteen declared states of local emergency and two band council resolutions include:
    • Big Lakes County
    • Brazeau County
    • Clear Hills County
    • Clearwater County
    • Drayton Valley
    • Town of Edson
    • MD of Fairview
    • Fox Creek
    • Gift Lake Metis Settlement
    • County of Grande Prairie
    • Town of High Prairie
    • Northern Sunrise County
    • East Prairie Metis Settlement
    • Saddle Hills County
    • Lac St. Anne County
    • Parkland County
    • Rainbow Lake
    • Yellowhead County
    • The Little Red River Cree Nation (Fox Lake) has declared a band council resolution
    • Whitefish Lake First Nation has declared a band council resolution

Update 3: Alberta wildfires (May 6, 6:30 p.m.)

  • Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit Alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455.
  • Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for the following areas. Please check alberta.ca/emergency or download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app for complete information:
    • Parts of Brazeau County. Evacuees should register in Edmonton at the Expo Centre, Hall C, at 7515 118 Avenue.
    • Parts of Northern Sunrise County.
    • Parts of Mackenzie County. Evacuees should register at the High Level Rural Hall.
    • The entire Town of Rainbow Lake. Evacuees should register in High Level at the High Level Arena, at 10101 105 Avenue.
    • Fox Creek, Little Smoky and surrounding areas. Evacuees should register at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, at 58 Sunset Boulevard in Whitecourt.
    • Parts of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the Municipal District of Greenview. Evacuees should register at Memorial Hall, 4808 50 Street in Valleyview.
    • Parts of the County of Grande Prairie. Evacuees should register at the Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie.
    • Parts of Big Lakes County. Evacuees should register at Elks Rodeo Hall on Highway 749.
    • Parts of Lac Ste Anne County. Evacuees should register at the Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre, at 4184 54 Street.
    • Parts of Yellowhead County, including the Town of Edson.
    • The communities of Whitefish River and Aitkameg. Evacuees should register at the Town of Slave Lake office, at 10 Main Street, Slave Lake.
    • The Hamlet of Entwistle. Evacuees should register at Wabamun Jubilee Hall, at 5132 53 Avenue in Wabamun.
    • Parkland County and the Hamlet of Entwistle. Evacuees should register at Wabamun Jubilee Hall at 5132 53 Avenue in Wabamun.
  • Residents of the following areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice:
    • The Grovesdale area of the Municipal District of Greenview
    • The area west of Beaverdam Provincial Recreation Area and east of the Bighorn Dam, including the hamlet of Nordegg.
    • Parts of the County of Grande Prairie, including Pipestone Creek area.
    • The town of High Prairie.
    • Parts of Wetaskiwin County.
  • Sixteen declared states of local emergency and two band council resolution include:
    • Big Lakes County
    • Brazeau County
    • County of Grande Prairie
    • Clear Hills County
    • Clearwater County
    • Drayton Valley
    • Town of Edson
    • MD of Fairview
    • Town of High Prairie
    • Northern Sunrise County
    • East Prairie Metis Settlement
    • Saddle Hills County
    • Lac St. Anne County
    • Parkland County
    • Rainbow Lake
    • Yellowhead County
    • The Little Red River Cree Nation (Fox Lake) has declared a band council resolution
    • Whitefish Lake First Nation has declared a band council resolution

Update 2: Alberta wildfires (May 5, 6:00 p.m.)

  • Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for the following areas:
    • Yellowhead County and the Town of Edson have issued an immediate evacuation order. Western boundary of evacuation zone is Marlboro and Range Road 200 all the way to the east of Yellowhead County. Northern boundary is Township Road 550 and southern is Township Road 520. This includes the town of Edson.
    • The County of Grande Prairie from Township Road 710 to the Wapiti River and Highway 40 to Range Road 72. Evacuees should register at the Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie.
    • Brazeau County from Township Road 482 to 494 from the North Saskatchewan River west to Range Road 84, including the entire town of Drayton Valley. Evacuees should register in Edmonton at the Expo Centre, Hall C, at 7515 118 Avenue.
    • Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. Everyone in Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation must evacuate and should register at Memorial Hall, 4808 50 Street in Valleyview.
    • Fourth Creek area of Saddle Hills County, between Township Road 840 and the Peace River between Range Road 75 and Range Road 85.
    • Lac Ste Anne County west of Highway 43, and Range Road 60 west to Highway 757 from Brock Lake in the south to Township Road 564 in the north. Evacuees should register at the Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre at 4184 54 Street.
    • Athabasca County on Range Road 214 and 215, north of Township Road 674 to the Athabasca River. Evacuees should register at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
    • East part of Yellowhead County, starting at the Pembina River west to Range Road 101, north border is Township Road 550 and south border is Township Road 520, including Evansburg, Wildwood, Lobstick and Hansonville. Evacuees should register at the Edson Leisure Centre.
    • Yellowhead County from Elk River Road in the north, the Brazeau Reservoir in the east, just past Brazeau River in the south and Range Road 145 in the west.
    • Leduc County from Range Road 41 east to Range Road 35 and from Township Road 494 north to Township Road 495. Evacuees should register with Leduc County by calling 780-955-4546.
    • The Hamlet of Entwistle, west of Range Road 65. Evacuees should register at Wabamun Jubilee Hall at 5132 53 Avenue in Wabamun.
    • The entire community of Fox Lake (Little Red River Cree Nation). Evacuees have been asked to go to the Fox Lake Band Office or call 1-888-201-3053.
  • Residents of the following areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice:
    • Residents of the communities of Whitefish River and Atikameg.
    • Residents of the area west of Beaverdam Provincial Recreation Area and east of the Bighorn Dam, including the hamlet of Nordegg.
    • Residents of Heart Lake First Nation 167.
    • Residents northeast of Swan Hills along Highway 33.
  • Seven declared states of local emergency and one band council resolution include:
    • Beaver Lake Cree Nation
    • Brazeau County
    • County of Grande Prairie
    • Lac St. Anne County
    • Parkland County
    • Rainbow Lake
    • Yellowhead County
    • The Little Red River Cree Nation has declared a band council resolution
  • Wildfire HWF-030 is threatening the community of Fox Lake. At the time of this report, 20 households, the police station, the Northern Store and the water treatment plant have been lost. A reception centre has opened at the Fox Lake Band Office and additional support resources are being identified to support evacuees.

Update 1: Alberta wildfires (May 4, 6:00 p.m.)

  • There are currently 72 active wildfires in Alberta.
  • There were new 44 wildfire starts today. For the latest information on wildfires in Alberta visit https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.aspx.
  • This has resulted in the evacuation of approximately 3,726 individuals.
  • Four declared States of Local Emergency and one Band Council Resolution include:
    • Lac St. Anne County
    • Beaver Lake Cree Nation
    • Rainbow Lake
    • Brazeau County
    • The Little Red River Cree Nation has declared a Band Council Resolution
  • There are three wildfires currently burning in the area of Fox Lake (HWF031, HWF030, HWF035). These fires are threatening the community of Fox Lake. At the time of this report, twenty households, the police station and the Northern Store have been lost. A reception center has opened at the Fox Lake Band Office.
  • Unusually warm dry weather and strong winds mean it is easier for a wildfire to start and spread.
  • As a result of these conditions, there are fire restrictions and bans in place across much of the province. For more visit Albertafirebans.ca

IHT4

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