6:30 PM
Media Release Update
May 3, 2023
Yellowhead County has been working closely with our partner agencies to constantly monitor the wildfires that resulted in evacuations affecting over 1,100 Yellowhead County residents. At this time both evacuation orders have been lifted and residents are able to return to their homes.
On May 2nd, 2023, at 12:00 p.m., the mandatory evacuation order for the Evansburg area was lifted and residents were able to return home.
On May 3rd, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., the mandatory evacuation order for the Wildwood and Lobstick evacuation zone was also lifted and residents are able to return home.
Yellowhead County Mayor Wade Williams expressed his gratitude to residents impacted by the fire and the teams working throughout this emergency.
“We would like to acknowledge our residents for their resiliency in this situation. Their patience, understanding, and cooperation during this difficult time has been a crucial part in helping our emergency services and Yellowhead County staff, including our firefighters and the other agencies, who have been working together to deal with this incident.”
“Yellowhead County residents and our neighbours offered their support and empathy throughout the event. This show of support and community spirit is encouraging and truly shows the integrity of our residents and neighbours.”
The wildfire affecting Wildwood and Lobstick area residents is currently being maintained in its boundaries. Firefighting crews continue firefighting and containment efforts to contain and reduce the fire.
With the current hot and dry weather, there is still a risk in our communities, and residents who have returned home to Wildwood and the nearby areas must remain on 30-minute alert and need to be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
PHOTO: Yellowhead County Firefighter checks the hose connections as part of the Structural Protection Sprinkler System set up in the hamlet of Wildwood.
Yellowhead County Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services, Albert Bahri acknowledged the work done to mitigate the fire and assist with the evacuation but is reminding residents that there continue to be threats with the current hot weather.
“It’s important to acknowledge that wildfires are dynamic situations and changes can happen quickly. Our focus continues to be on the safety of our residents as we continue to work to contain and extinguish these fires with our partners.”
“We encourage everyone to have an evacuation plan in place for themselves, family members, and pets and livestock.”
Evacuation preparedness information can be found at alberta.ca/BePrepared.
Residents who have returned home, must remain on 30-minute alert and must be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Residents should keep all medication, important documents, and food and water for three days ready for evacuation. Residents need to take pets with them if the situation changes.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and all important updates will be posted on www.yhcounty.ca and on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty.
For the most up-to-date information on the wildfires, visit https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update.