Wildfire prompts state of emergency in Samson Cree Nation

A fire on the Samson Cree Nation on Friday, April 25, 2025. (Facebook/Maskwacis Fire Department)

The Maskwacis Fire Department declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon due to a wildfire east of the community.

Highway 611 near Range Road 242 on the Samson Cree Nation is closed in both directions due to the fire.

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The fire is by the highway between 2 Mile Road and 3 Mile Road, according to Samson Cree Nation.

An emergency centre has been set up at the Howard Buffalo Memorial Centre for evacuees. Samson Cree Nation staff and Red Cross personnel are on hand to provide assistance, information is also available at 780-585-3012.

The Maskwacis Fire Department reminds people to not light their yards or grass on fire as dry conditions and high winds can cause fires to grow out of control.