May 23, 2023 Update
The final remaining Evacuation Order has been lifted in Yellowhead County.
Shiningbank area residents were able to return home at 4:00 p.m. today (May 23, 2023).
Residents west of the McLeod River will no longer be in an evacuation zone or under any alert. Residents east of the McLeod River will still be under a 30-minute evacuation alert in case conditions change. The attached map shows the alert zone.
These areas will continue to be accessible for LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY. We ask all locals within the area to take extreme care when out and about, and please stay out of the burnt areas.
Wildfire conditions have improved, and fire containment is continuing daily. Structural protection sprinkler and gear will be removed from some areas in Yellowhead County over the next week. If the structural protection equipment is removed from your home, that means structural protection crews are confident that your home is no longer under immediate threat. This will only be done in areas where crews are confident that it is safe to remove. It is important to have this equipment available for areas that need it.
If conditions change, the protection would be brought back in. Thank you for your understanding.
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High humidity and cooler temperatures helped to continue to reduce fire activity in our region. Remember to use caution when near wildfire areas and wildfire operations. Avoid walking on burnt areas which could have hazards that are difficult to see and other unknown hazards. If you see aircraft in the area, move away from the area to allow them space to work. Give firefighters room and the time they need to complete their tasks.
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Rapid attack crews will continue to respond to any new developments or flare-ups.
Yellowhead County crews are continuing to maintain work throughout the night in the Shiningbank area with increased crews and staggered shifts, as well as continuing to work on other wildfire areas.
Thank you to all those who are a part of battling the wildfires in Yellowhead County. Please be aware of the equipment and crews in the area and let them do their work safely. We thank you for working to protect Yellowhead County. Please be aware and drive responsibly for their safety and yours.
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For current fire bans and OHV bans, visit www.albertafirebans.ca/
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Wildfire Information from Alberta Wildfire:
For specific wildfire information on each of these fires, visit srd.web.alberta.ca/Edson-area-update.
Fire Southeast of Edson in Yellowhead County (EWF031):
113,244 ha in size
Fire from Parkland County into Wildwood Area (WCU001):
7,281 ha in size
Fire North of Wildwood (WCU002):
2,400 ha in size
Shiningbank Fire (EWF-035):
18,608 ha in size
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Our Emergency Call Centre will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call 1-833-334-4630 with any evacuation-related questions.
Information on the provincial funding for evacuees who have been away from their home for more than 7 days (total) can be found at alberta.ca/emergency. If you’re having trouble applying online, call 310-4455.
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View our daily live-streamed update at www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty
View our post on protecting your health when it comes to smoke and air quality here: https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty/posts/pfbid0jLQvMudDBZjuX5gptyrhBvvYfhG4WSfrqhdBJ4jxRxa85xzVg1Hg1mdmcSLYokHal. Call 8-1-1 for information specific to your health.
View our post on FireSmarting your property here: https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty/posts/pfbid0eDgxiVeeeFgaipt54jtsBA6hSW2RBrmM1NrmA2ouMJFFqce39pv8b8khiv8qwYvUl
Photo from Alberta Wildfire: Firefighters did not observe very much fire activity today, thanks to the higher relative humidity, cooler temperatures and precipitation. (May 22, 2023).
