May 10, 2023 5:30 PM UPDATE
As we continue to deal with the wildfire situation in Yellowhead County, we want to thank the firefighters and emergency crews that have been working long and hard throughout this difficult time. Many of these boots-on-the-ground emergency responders have dealt with their own evacuations and being away from their homes and families while they work to contain these wildfires.
We also would like to acknowledge and thank the many residents who have continued to protect their communities and homes, as well as all of the firefighters who have come in from many communities across Alberta and from Alberta Wildfire. We are all in this together and we thank you for all you’ve done.
An update was delivered today by Mayor Wade Williams and Yellowhead County’s CAO, where they also answered questions from the community. You can view the video update at https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty/videos/6250063371755809/
We announced our re-entry plans for the evacuation zone that includes north and south of Chip Lake and south of Township Road 560 in Yellowhead County. This includes the communities of Hansonville, Lobstick Resort, and Wildwood. These areas will be reopened as of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023. A re-entry package with advice and useful contact information is available on our website at www.yhcounty.ca.
We have continued to be impressed by the resilience and strength shown by so many of our residents during this extremely stressful time. We are grateful for your understanding, cooperation, and patience. Yellowhead County recommends that all residents be prepared with an evacuation plan and their important items in the event of an emergency. Learn more at www.alberta.ca/beprepared
Please call the ECC at 1-833-334-4630 if you have any further questions related to evacuation or re-entry that are not answered below:
Residents need to remember that there is still fire activity and other potential safety concerns in some areas. Firefighters and emergency services are still operating in these areas. Anyone entering firefighting areas can impact and prevent firefighting efforts in this area.
Returning 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.
The ER is open at the Edson hospital. Please note that there will be limited services at the Edson Hospital as they complete their re-entry. EMS ambulance services are available, as well as fire/medical first responders. EMS/ambulance is available, as well as our Medical First Responders/Fire services. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Services such as grocery services, pharmacies, and gas stations and other services are mostly re-opened, but residents need to be prepared for a reduction in service until staff and stock are in place.
Please continue to call 9-1-1 for all emergencies including wildfires.
Fire bans remain in place and the Town of Edson is still under a water ban.
For information on emergency evacuation funding from the province, visit www.alberta.ca/emergency or call 310-4455.
Recent weather and firefighting efforts have slowed wildfire activity but, there are still active fires in our area and it’s always good to be prepared.
For the most recent wildfire updates in Yellowhead County and weather forecasts impacting the wildfire, visit: https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update.
PHOTO: EWF031 is showing low fire activity (photo taken May 9 at 7:30 PM)
