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20h ago

Wildfire Forces Evacuations in Northern Alberta as Crews Battle High-Risk Conditions

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place across Sturgeon, Thorhild, and Athabasca counties, with over 43 homes evacuated as the wildfire near Redwater grows to 408 hectares.

A shoulder patch of the Alberta Wildfire service is pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., Thursday, May 16, 2024. A wildfire burning northeast of Edmonton has forced residents to immediately flee the area. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Smoke from a wildfire near Boyle, Alta., on May 6, 2025.
Smoke from the wildfire near Redwater in Sturgeon County on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Smoke from a wildfire is seen near Redwater, Alta., on May 7, 2025.

Overview

  • The wildfire, ignited by an ATV fire on May 3 near the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area, has destroyed at least one farmhouse and continues to expand.
  • Sturgeon County, Thorhild County, and Athabasca County have declared states of emergency and issued mandatory evacuation orders for affected areas.
  • Reception centres have been set up in Redwater and Lac La Biche to assist evacuees, who are advised to prepare for at least three days away from their homes.
  • Alberta Wildfire and local crews are deploying 175 personnel, heavy equipment, helicopters, and aerial retardant drops to contain the blaze.
  • Hot, dry, and windy weather conditions are sustaining extreme wildfire risk, with officials warning that the danger could persist for the coming week.