Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Alerts in Two Northern Alberta Communities

May 5, 2025 TruthUSA

Severe wildfires in two areas of northern Alberta have led to evacuation orders and alerts, compelling some residents to leave their homes while others remain on standby.

A wildfire in the County of Grande Prairie has resulted in the evacuation of multiple subdivisions and rural properties. Meanwhile, Sturgeon County has declared a local state of emergency following an uncontrolled wildfire that destroyed one home and prompted evacuations.

Grande Prairie

The County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire are working to contain a blaze southwest of the city, which is advancing east toward Highway 40, as noted in a May 4 advisory from the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP).

Fire crews from the city and Alberta Wildfire responded to reports of a wildfire near Deer Ridge Estates at Range Road 64 on the afternoon of May 4, according to a press release from the County of Grande Prairie.

Residents in the area from south of Township Road 710 to 27 Avenue and East of Range Road 64 to Highway 40 were ordered to evacuate at 5:30 p.m. local time.

As of 8:30 a.m. on May 5, no homes had been lost, and the County Regional Fire Service along with Alberta Wildfire had made “significant progress” in containing the blaze using fire retardant dropped from air tankers and a dozer guard. The fire is now reported to be 90 percent contained.

The authorities announced, “Today, ground fire crews and the Alberta Wildfire bucketing helicopter will focus on extinguishing hotspots. Thankfully, no homes or structures, such as outbuildings and sheds, were affected by the fire.” They cautioned that today’s humidity levels could create conditions that challenge the progress made on Sunday.

The risk of wildfires in the area remains extremely high due to dry grass and vegetation, creating severe challenges for firefighters, according to the province reported. Crews are anticipated to face clear skies with an afternoon high of 18 degrees Celsius and wind gusts reaching 40 kilometers per hour.

The RCMP has also been deployed to assist with evacuations and enforce road closures.

Evacuees have been advised to bring essential documents, medications, and medical devices when checking in with officials at the Pomeroy Hotel in Grande Prairie.

A fire ban was implemented on May 5 across the entire county, including the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley.

Sturgeon County

RCMP officers from Redwater, Fort Saskatchewan, and Strathcona County responded to the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area late on May 3 to assist with evacuations, as per a social media update from Alberta RCMP.

RCMP did not specify how many residents were instructed to evacuate, but numerous additional residents in the municipality north of Edmonton are under an evacuation advisory.

Sturgeon County issued the evacuation notice late on May 3, advising residents to be prepared to leave should conditions worsen.

The advisory specifically targets residents around the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area, located approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Edmonton. This area consists of both forest and agricultural land and is sparsely populated.

A local state of emergency was announced by the county just after midnight local time, with Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw issuing a statement urging residents to avoid the affected area and adhere to the fire ban. She expressed condolences to the family whose home was destroyed in the fire.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of a home in this devastating fire, and I extend my sympathies during this challenging time,” she stated. “Please know that our entire community stands with you and those impacted by the wildfire, offering support as you navigate the difficulties ahead.”

The fire was first reported on the evening of May 3 at Range Road 205 and Victoria Trail and had spread over 110 hectares by 12:30 a.m. on May 4. By early afternoon, it had enlarged to 388 hectares (959 acres), according to an update from the county’s website.

Ground and airborne crews, including three aerial firefighting helicopters, are engaged in controlling the blaze, and the provincial wildfire resource branch has been activated to assist in these efforts.

The wildfire is reported to be 70 percent contained at its edges as of 8 p.m. on May 4 but remains classified as out of control.

As of publication, no updates have been made for May 5.

Crews can anticipate clear conditions with an afternoon temperature reaching 17 degrees Celsius and wind gusts at 20 kilometers per hour.

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Grande Prairie

Sturgeon County

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