Evacuation order lifted for northwest county; state of emergency remains for ongoing fire

An evacuation order was issued on May 11, 2026 in Woodlands County due to an out-of-control wildfire burning near Whitecourt. (Brandon Lynch/CTV News Edmonton)

The more than 100 Woodlands County residents displaced by an out-of-control wildfire earlier this week got the all-clear to go home Friday afternoon.

Just before 4 p.m., county officials lifted the evacuation order for the area affected by a 51-hectare wildfire that began burning Monday. A local state of emergency remained in place.

Alberta Wildfire says the risk is now moderate as crews have maintained a hold on the fire since Wednesday and are working with cooler temperatures.

Evacuees from Zone 2, the final area waiting to be allowed re-entry, were able to begin their return home via Range Road 113 and Highway 43 as of 4 p.m. Friday.

Zones 3 and 1 were given permission to re-enter on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, respectively.

Evacuees were sent to the neighbouring town of Whitecourt, 3.5 kilometres northwest of the wildfire.

The county confirmed one residence was destroyed during the fire and warns drivers to go slow as crews continue work to put out hotspots.

The re-entry points remain local traffic only as emergency crews continue assessments and safety measures while residents resettle.

People are asked to avoid burnt areas as trees and roots could be damaged and fall at any time.

Woodlands County is requiring evacuees to obtain a resident pass and sign a waiver form at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt or at their designated re-entry point before returning.