Municipal Firefighters came from 7 different municipalities
Alberta Wildfire info booth at the Reception Centre
STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY now cancelled as of May 16.
Evacuation Order was lifted May 15 at 3:55pm
This page contains:
- Re-entry Guide
- Important phone numbers & links
- WWF017 Maps
- Woodlands County Rolling Updates
RE-ENTRY GUIDE
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & LINKS
Woodlands County:
Evacuation Hotline: Now closed
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/woodlandscounty
Alberta Wildfire: Watch for HOT SPOTS. The fire is under control, but hot spots are still possible. If you see smoke, flame, or any sign of a hot spot, do not attempt to extinguish it yourself. Keep in mind, hot spots are normal in the 'burn area'.
Whitecourt Forest Area Phone line: 780-286-4332
Alberta Wildfire Status Updates: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status
FortisAlberta:
Call 310-WIRE (9473)
FortisAlberta Guide to Returning Home
Home Services Technical Support: 1-888-811-2323 (Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Mobility Services Technical Support: 1-866-558-2273 or *611 on your TELUS mobile phone (24 hours, 7 days a week)
You can also visit telus.com/support for self-help and other service information.
Alberta Health Services (AHS):
211 Mental Health Hotline (24/7)
AHS Wildfire Resources for Albertans
WWF017 MAPS
ZONE MAP: Click here for the High Resolution pdf version

Woodlands County EVACUATION AREA MAP:

Alberta Wildfire BURN AREA MAP:
For more information on the wildfire classification and burn area, please contact Alberta Wildfire: 780-286-4332
Alberta Wildfire Status Updates: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status
APPROVED FOOD & HOTEL VOUCHERS
Woodlands County issued food and hotel vouchers are now expired, as of 11:59pm Friday May 15.
ROLLING UPDATES
(See accordion panel at the bottom of the page for County Updates from previous days)
PREVIOUS UPDATES for WWF017
Friday, May 15
A County team will be monitoring the situation throughout the long weekend.
Please stay cautious, look out for your neighbours, and enjoy a safe long weekend.
5:55pm May 15 - Woodlands County Evacuation Update:
The Reception Centre is now closed. Orange ZONE 2 residents, please go to the Re-entry Point at RR 113 for the waiver and orange resident pass. Thank you!
RECEPTION CENTER: Open now. Closing time to be determined.
Allan & Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Blvd.
ZONE MAP: Click here for the High Resolution pdf version

Thursday May 14
Click on the links below to access:
RE-ENTRY for ZONE 3 ONLY begins at 3:00pm, Thurs, May 14.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS:
ZONE MAP: Click here for the High Resolution pdf version

10:45am May 14 - Woodlands County Evacuation Update:
THIS IS A RE-ENTRY NOTICE FOR ZONE 3 ONLY – beginning at 3:00pm, Thurs, May 14.
⚠️ZONE 1 and ZONE 2 ARE NOT OPEN FOR RE-ENTRY⚠️as Area Safety Assessments continue.
See attached Evacuation Area ZONE Map: Purple = Zone 3, Blue = Zone 1, Orange = Zone 2
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🟢Again, RE-ENTRY for ZONE 3 ONLY will begin at 3:00pm, Thurs May 14.
🟢 ONE 3 Entry points are along Highway 43 at Range Roads 113 and 112. Please have your ID ready to show County Staff. They’ll issue you a ZONE 3 RESIDENT PASS and a Re-entry Guide. There will also be a waiver form for residents to fill out as it is still an active fire in the area.
🟢 Dumpsters are in Zone 3 for resident use, should there be food spoilage, and other waste.
We'll continue to release more information as it becomes available.
We understand how difficult and stressful this situation is for everyone affected, and we genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding as response efforts continue.
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ZONE MAP: Click here for the High Resolution pdf version
Issued by Woodlands County | For further updates, monitor official Woodlands County communications channels.
ENTRY PERMITS: Please be advised, the County is issuing ENTRY PERMITS for emergency personnel and utility providers ONLY. Residents are not allowed entry at this time while Area Safety Assessments continue.
Wednesday May 13
7:40 PM May 13 – Woodlands County Evacuation Update:
AREA SAFETY ASSESSMENT: Tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, emergency management personnel will continue conducting Area Safety Assessments of the evacuation area. The evacuation area has been broken into 3 Zones. A Zone Map will be shared tomorrow.
Today, May 13, designated teams completed Zone 3, and affected property owners in that zone have all been directly contacted.
Tomorrow, May 14, Woodlands County will begin Area Safety Assessments in Zones 1 and 2. As assessments come in, County staff will directly contact affected property owners in those zones, providing them with information and copies of photos as well.
Staff will identify themselves and ask for your email address so they can send you the information.
We anticipate being able to contact all landowners in the entire evacuation area by the end of day, tomorrow, May 14.
At the same time, crews are developing a phased re-entry plan. Re-entry, which will most likely occur over several days, will ONLY occur once the evacuation area is deemed safe by Alberta Wildfire. Residents are reminded to remain away from the evacuation area at this time.
EVACUEE SUPPORT:
As a precaution, Woodlands County has authorized meal and hotel vouchers up to Sunday, May 16. However, we don’t anticipate needing to issue them that far in advance.
Evacuation Reception Centre Hours:
Open from 9:00 am to 12-noon, Thursday, May 14
Allan & Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Blvd., Whitecourt
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 to remain 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 residents, emergency responders, and firefighting crews.
Issued by Woodlands County | For further updates, monitor official Woodlands County communications channels.
2:41pm May 13 – Woodlands County Evacuation Update:
11:59am May 13 - Woodlands County Evacuation Update
OFFICIAL EVACUATION UPDATE
Woodlands County | May 13, 2026 | 11:59am
Woodlands County continues to work closely with Alberta Wildfire and regional partners as we await an updated fire classification. Public safety remains the top priority.
Emergency management personnel are actively conducting Area Safety Assessments on danger trees, downed powerlines, roads conditions, and structure conditions. We’re also developing a phased re-entry plan for affected residents. Re-entry, which will most likely occur over several days, will ONLY occur when the evacuation area is deemed safe.
Residents are to remain away from the evacuation area.
Area Safety Assessment:
The first phase of Area Safety Assessment will involve designated teams entering the evacuation area to photograph impacted properties. Woodlands County will then contact affected property owners directly to provide available information and copies of photos to help inform them of their property status.
More details regarding the implementation of the Area Safety Assessment will be shared as they become available. The County is hopeful to provide specific property updates to impacted landowners sometime today.
Woodlands County thanks residents for their continued patience, understanding, and cooperation.
Issued by Woodlands County | For further updates, monitor official Woodlands County communications channels.
9:37am May 13 - Woodlands County Evacuation Update:
Get your vouchers from the Evacuation Reception Centre before 12-noon today, May 13.
Woodlands County has authorized lunch, dinner, and hotel vouchers for today May 13, and breakfast vouchers for tomorrow May 14.
Evacuation Reception Centre location:
Allan & Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Blvd, Whitecourt.
HOURS: 9:00 am to 12-noon, May 13.
For further updates, monitor official Woodlands County communications channels.
Tuesday May 12
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.
Issued by Woodlands County | For further updates, monitor official Woodlands County communications channels.
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
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.
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.
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.
Monday May 11
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.
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
