This is the last update for today. New updates will be posted tomorrow.

We want to remind everyone that they can also view the recorded online Facebook posts from today on the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Facebook pages.

The Town of Edson and parts of Yellowhead County continue to be under an Evacuation Order. The remainder of Yellowhead County remains on evacuation alert. Every resident should be ready to evacuate.

While we had initially hoped that residents would be able to return home on Wednesday, at this point it seems unlikely. We will keep everyone updated as the situation continues to evolve. We know this is frustrating for all of you who have had to leave your homes, but it is simply a matter of safety.

Supports

The Evacuation Registration and Information Line is 1-833-334-4630.

The Province has confirmed that those impacted by both recent evacuations in Edson and Yellowhead County have reached the 7-day threshold and are now eligible for the Emergency Evacuation Payments. To apply, visit https://evacuationpayment.alberta.ca/. Other financial supports may also be available.

The Reception Centre for evacuees is the Expo Centre in Edmonton (7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton). All residents are asked to phone 1-833-334-4630 to register, even if not going to the Expo Centre. Red Cross and other helpers are on hand to assist residents and help sort through things like information and financial support. There is also food, beds, clothing, computer access, fire updates, and even pet care available. This is all available, even if you’re not staying there.

The next live Facebook update will be June 13 at 12:00 P.M. streamed on our Facebook page. If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can still view it on a web browser at www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty.

There are nearly 500 crew members working to protect our community from wildfires at this time. They are approaching this from every angle possible. Overnight, firefighters will continue to monitor and action fires. They are doing some amazing work to help keep our community safe.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION FROM ALBERTA WILDFIRE:

PEMBINA WILDFIRE COMPLEX | EWF031

EWF031 was detected on May 4 and is located 18 km west of Lodgepole, 5 km northwest of Brazeau Dam and 1.5 km south of Edson. The fire is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 204,284 ha in size.

There are 224 firefighters and 65 support staff being shared between the Pembina Complex of fires. There are 67 pieces of heavy equipment, and 22 helicopters assigned to the complex.

The international contingent of personnel dedicated to the Pembina Complex includes professionals from Australia, South Africa, United States, Alberta and B.C. Over the coming days, additional support and resources are expected to arrive in support of these ongoing incidents.

DEEP CREEK WILDFIRE COMPLEX| EWF035

The northern portion of the fire is located 2 km east of Shining Bank Lake, reaching north and east across Township Road 560 and as far south as approximately 2 km north of the Niton Junction railway.

The wildfire is south of Township Road 570, has burnt down to the south and continues to a site two kilometers north of the railroad track in Niton Junction. The fire moved across the Range Road 123 and burnt up to the Lobstick River.

Moderate to high winds with significant gusts pushed smoke and fire spread towards the northwest for the last few days. As a result, we have seen some growth on the southwest side of the perimeter, including one very small area that has made its way northwest across McLeod River. This spot can be seen on the new perimeter available for viewing on the dashboard, and is located west of the junction of East Bank Road and Range Road 132. Firefighters have worked in this area over the previous days and there is no concern at this time of the spot growing any further.

More detailed information on these fires and other fires including the Wildwood area fire (WCU001, WCU002) can be found on the Edson Area Update at https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update/

Several highways in the region have been closed to ensure public safety. Visit 511.alberta.com for details.