Evacuation Order remains in effect - May 12 @ 9:05pm
9:05pm May 12- Woodlands County Evacuation Update
Woodlands County continues to work in close coordination with Alberta Wildfire and regional partners in response to the active wildfire situated east of Whitecourt.
Alberta Wildfire plans to reassess the fire tomorrow morning, but at this time, it is still classified as out of control.
Please see Alberta Wildfire’s Update for more information on the fire status: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status
Evacuee Support:
Approximately 150 families, 424 individuals, and 350 pets have registered through the evacuation centre to date. Woodlands County has authorized hotel accommodations and food vouchers for impacted property owners and evacuees requiring assistance. This support is available for the night of May 12 and includes breakfast coverage for the morning of May 13.
The Evacuation Reception Centre at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre will be open from 9:00 am to 12-noon, Wednesday, May 13.
Evacuees and impacted residents requiring support with accommodations or meals are encouraged to contact the Woodlands County Evacuee Hotline: 825-401-8409.
Join Alberta Wildfire and Fortis Alberta from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 13 at the Allan & Jean Millar Center located at 58 Sunset Blvd, Whitecourt, AB. They’ll have an information station set up where residents can ask questions, learn about the wildfire situation and grab a few public maps as needed.
Re-Entry Planning:
Administration and emergency management personnel are actively engaged in re-entry planning for affected residents. While Woodlands County recognizes that residents are eager to return home, public safety remains the foremost priority. Re-entry is not anticipated at this time.
Property Impact:
At this time, Woodlands County is aware of a single residential structure loss. The affected property owner has been contacted directly. No additional information about this will be released publicly.
Animal Welfare:
Animal welfare checks have been conducted throughout the day and will continue into tomorrow, where conditions are safe and operationally feasible.
Public Safety Reminder:
Residents are reminded to stay out of the evacuation area. The use of side-by-sides and off-highway vehicles within the affected area is prohibited. Unauthorized access elevates wildfire risk and creates additional hazards for emergency responders and firefighting crews.
Acknowledgement:
Woodlands County extends its sincere thanks to residents, responders, volunteers, partner municipalities, and Alberta Wildfire for their continued cooperation and support throughout this response.
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Issued by Woodlands County | For further updates, monitor official Woodlands County communications channels.
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2:59pm May 12 ⚠️ Woodlands County Evacuation Update⚠️
Evacuation Reception Centre will close at 4:00 pm Tues May 12, and will reopen at 9:00am Wed May 13.
Evacuees can go to guest services at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre for vouchers until 10:00pm Tues May 12.
Please call the Woodlands County 24/7 Evacuation Hotline: 825-403-8409, for more information and resources.
Evacuation efforts continue to go smoothly, and we thank residents for their cooperation and patience during this process.
We understand this remains a difficult and stressful situation for residents. Thank you for your continued patience, cooperation, and support for all emergency personnel working in the area.
More updates to follow
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12:56pm May 12 -⚠️Woodlands County Wildfire & Evacuation Update⚠️
We can confirm that one residence has been lost as a result of the wildfire. The owners have been contacted and are aware of the situation. Our thoughts are with the affected family during this difficult time.
Crews continue to make strong progress on suppression efforts, and structure protection remains a top priority. Firefighters and support crews are working tirelessly to protect homes and keep residents safe.
We understand this news is difficult for the community, but we want residents to know that significant progress has been made on containment, and crews remain fully engaged on the fire.
Thank you for your continued patience, cooperation, and support for emergency personnel.
More updates to follow.
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10:36am May 12 - ⚠️ Woodlands County Wildfire & Evacuation Information⚠️
The smoke is currently lying low, and crews continue to make strong progress on suppression efforts. Volunteer Firefighters and Public Works crews from Woodlands County are actively supporting suppression operations alongside Alberta Wildfire.
Woodlands County understands residents are eager to return home, and we are working toward that as quickly and safely as possible. At this time, we do not anticipate residents returning today.
We do not have an update on power to peoples’ homes. We’re awaiting updates from Fortis Alberta, and will provide information as we know more.
Evacuees needing assistance with accommodations or meals, please report to the Evacuation Reception Centre at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Blvd., or contact the Woodlands County 24/7 Evacuee Hotline: 825-401-8409.
🚫 Reminder: Please stay out of the evacuation area, including avoiding the use of side-by-sides and off-highway vehicles. Unauthorized access creates additional wildfire risk and puts residents and firefighting crews in danger.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.
More updates to follow.
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May 12 @ 9:30am - The reception center at Allan & Jean Millar Centre is now open (as of 9:00am).
Please contact Woodlands County 24/7Evacuee Hotline 825-401-8409 for more information, and hotel and food vouchers.
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May 11 @ 10:35pm - The Evacuation Reception Centre is now closed (at 10:00pm) and will reopen at 9:00am Tuesday, May 12.
For hotel and food vouchers, please call the Woodlands County 24/7 Evacuee Contact Line 825-401-8409.
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May 11 @ 5:31pm - Woodlands County has issued an evacuation order due to a wildfire. This alert is in effect for everyone south of Highway 43,from the West Ridge subdivision, east to and including Range Road 111 in Woodlands County.
There is a wildfire burning south of Highway 43, near Range Road 114.
Everyone in the affected area must evacuate immediately. Gather pets, important documentation, and medication. Register at the evacuation reception center at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, at 58 Sunset Blvd. in Whitecourt.
Please contact Woodlands County at 825-401-8409 for further instructions and evacuation information after registering at the Evacuation Reception Centre: Allan & Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Blvd, Whitecourt.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
Stay tuned to the Woodlands County social media for more updates! https://www.facebook.com/woodlandscounty/
For more information about WWF017, please Alberta Wildfire at 780-286-4332.
To subscribe to Alberta Wildfire updates please visit the Alberta Wildfire Status: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status
