‘A dangerous, active fire situation’: Sturgeon County officials reminding residents to stay away

The Redwater Recreation Area fire can be seen in an undated photo taken from the Sturgeon County Facebook Page. (Credit: Lindsay Johanna)

Sturgeon County says it’s fielding increasing calls from residents wanting to return home despite the fire remaining out-of-control.

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Sturgeon County issued an update and posted to social media on Saturday to remind residents that evacuation orders are mandatory and legally binding, and that RCMP were actively patrolling the evacuation area.

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“We understand residents’ concerns and their desire to return. Emergency crews are doing everything they can to make this happen as soon as possible,” the release read.

“It is important to recognize that we remain in a dangerous, active fire situation. Emergency response staff are currently making plans to support the safe re-entry of the public back to their homes.”

With cloud cover helping hinder fire activity Friday and Saturday, officials said the Redwater Recreation Area fire showed minimal growth. At 6 p.m., it remained out-of-control over 3,214 hectares, up from 3,200 on Friday.

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About 150 personnel and dozens of pieces of heavy equipment – plus six helicopters – were set to work on the fire over the weekend and officials said Saturday that crews had made good progress on the perimeter.

Alberta Wildfire was scheduled to conduct an infrared scan of the fire overnight to detect hotspots and municipal firefighters were working overnight to patrol and maintain structure protection around homes.

For the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website.

All evacuees from the affected area who have not registered should do so at the Morinville Leisure Centre or by phone at 587-570-6610. 

Residents with general questions can call the information line at 587-200-3068.