Latest news with #Redwater
CBC
16-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Re-entry centre for Redwater wildfire evacuees to close, signalling end of evacuation process
Sturgeon County is closing its re-entry support centre for residents who were forced to evacuate because of the Redwater Recreation Area wildfire. In a news release, the county said the centre in Redwater, Alta., about 70 kilometres north of Edmonton, will be permanently closed as of 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The centre provided residents with resources about mental health, utilities, insurance, waste management and health services. Evacuees were encouraged by the county to visit the centre before returning home. Residents were allowed to return home on Tuesday morning. However, Sturgeon County remains in a state of local emergency. The Redwater Recreation Area remains closed as the wildfire is still active. The county said the fire has created environmental hazards like falling trees, exposed roots and unstable ground. The news release said the wildfire is being held at 3,230 hectares, with firefighters working to extinguish remaining hot spots. It also said the risk of wildfires is still at an all-time high in the area. Outdoor fires are still banned in the county and the operation of all-terrain vehicles is also prohibited.
CTV News
13-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Redwater fire now being held; evacuation order lifted
An aerial photo shows wildfire damage near Redwater, Alta., on May 11, 2025. (Source: Sturgeon County)
CBC
13-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Evacuation orders lifted near Redwater, Alta., as crews gain upper hand on wildfire
People forced from their homes north of Edmonton due to a rapidly spreading wildfire are now allowed to return home. Evacuation orders for homes near Redwater, Alta., were lifted Tuesday morning — more than a week since they were issued as the flames spread amid high winds and parched conditions. Sturgeon County officials said all residents previously under evacuation order are allowed to return home immediately. Despite the evacuation orders lifting, Sturgeon County remains under a state of local emergency. Municipal officials cautioned that it will take time to bring the fire under control. There are lingering safety risks to residents in areas that have burned, officials said. In a statement Tuesday, county officials urged returning residents to maintain a safe distance from burned areas and give firefighters space to continue their work in battling the flames. The wildfire, which had spread from the Redwater Recreation Area into surrounding forests and farmlands, is now classified as being held, meaning it's not expected to grow beyond its current boundaries, if the weather holds. Redwater is about 70 kilometres north of Edmonton. 'Still work ahead' The fire, which has burned more than 3,230 hectares since it began on May 3, was ignited inside the provincial recreation area when an all-terrain vehicle caught fire after an apparent electrical or mechanical failure. As the fire continued to grow last week, crews from across the province were called in to manage firefighting operations in partnership with local crews. County officials thanked firefighter and emergency responders for their hard work in fighting the fire and keeping residents safe. Despite the progress made, firefighters need to dig and expose any remaining hot spots to ensure the fire is contained, county officials said. "Firefighters have made excellent progress, but there is still work ahead to bring this wildfire under control," county officials said. "There are hot spots within the interior of this fire that need to be extinguished. This work will take time. The fire has burned deeply into the ground in some areas." Returning evacuees should stay away from stands of burned trees and respect ongoing road closures, officials said. A guide will be provided to residents online to assist with re-entry. Alberta Wildfire has said activity on the fire has calmed in recent days thanks to higher humidity, cooler temperatures and calming winds.
CBC
12-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Sturgeon County officials preparing for wildfire evacuees to return home
Social Sharing Emergency crews responding to the out-of-control wildfire north of Edmonton say they are getting plans ready for residents to return home. Officials from Sturgeon County said the more than 3,200-hectare blaze located about 70 kilometres north of Edmonton started earlier this month when an all-terrain vehicle caught fire after an apparent electrical or mechanical failure in the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area. The county says responders are now preparing to let residents return as soon as they deem the situation safe enough to do so. Last week, it was reported that 71 homes were evacuated. WATCH | What caused the Redwater wildfire? How a wildfire started near Redwater, Alta. 7 days ago Duration 1:48 A wildfire has burned close to 400 hectares near Redwater, Alta., since Saturday. Officials say the wildfire started after an all-terrain vehicle caught fire at the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area. As Travis McEwan reports, it's not the only wildfire burning in the province right now. Until then, residents and the general public are being reminded to stay away from the evacuation area and that anyone caught in that zone could be charged. Crews from across the province have been called in over the past week to help battle the fire. In the latest update from the province on Monday, Alberta Wildfire said that the fire is still classified as out-of-control, but firefighters are continuing to make good progress on containing its perimeter. Alberta Wildfire said the fire showed little activity on Sunday, and higher humidity continues to keep the fire behaviour low.
CTV News
12-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Sturgeon County's Redwater-area wildfire remains out of control
A wildfire burning in the distance sends smoke into the air near Redwater on May 7, 2025. (CTV News Edmonton)
