A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for parts of Athabasca County due to a wildfire, prompting the community to declare a state of local emergency. An emergency alert issued at 5:46 p.m. on May 7, 2025, states that a wildfire is burning south of Boyle along Highway 831 between the Boyle Fishpond and Ellscott turnoff. The evacuation order is in effect for residents east of Range Road 194 and south of Township 644 in Athabasca County. Everyone east of Range Road 195 and south of Township 650 should also be prepared to evacuate if notified.
Those evacuating should travel north along Highway 63/55 toward Lac La Biche to the reception centre at Parkland Motels II. South winds are pushing the fire toward Boyle, and local crews are currently fighting the fire. The village, located about 150 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, is under an evacuation alert, meaning residents should prepare for an evacuation and pack a bag for the next 72 hours.
In light of the wildfire situation, Boyle School will be closed on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as stated in a division notice. An emergency alert issued at 6:25 p.m. also advises residents not to travel south on Highway 831 due to the fire.
A fire burning near Redwater has led to another evacuation order for residents in Thorhild County, which was issued on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This order is in effect for residents on Range Road 203-211 and Township Road 580-584. The state of local emergency allows local authorities to take necessary actions to deal with the situation.
Alberta Wildfire has begun providing firefighting assistance, according to the provincial dashboard. Meanwhile, wildfires in other communities north and west of Edmonton are also prompting wildfire alerts in Westlock County and Parkland County. Residents living north of Duffield between Township Road 530 north to Highway 16, and between Range Road 32 west to Range Road 34 should be prepared to evacuate on short notice. This includes residents in the Hamlet of Fawcett and the Summer Village of Larkspur.
In a related incident, residents in rural areas northeast of Edmonton have been ordered to leave their homes due to separate wildfires. Thorhild County has issued a state of local emergency and an evacuation order for an area south of the hamlet of Radway, while Athabasca County has issued an evacuation order for an area south of the village of Boyle. The village has declared a state of local emergency and is under an evacuation alert, with residents advised to prepare to leave by packing a bag for the next 72 hours.
Athabasca County is directing its evacuees to a reception centre at Parkland Motels II in Lac La Biche. Earlier in the afternoon, Sturgeon County issued an evacuation order as a fire burned near the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area. This order affects people living east of Redwater, roughly 61 kilometres northeast of Edmonton. Affected residents are being told to gather important documents and medication and sign up for supports at the Pembina Place reception centre.
Officials have indicated that major fire activity is expected due to high winds, and crews are actively working to extinguish the fire. The out-of-control blaze reportedly started over the weekend due to an all-terrain vehicle catching fire after an apparent electrical or mechanical failure. Fire crews are conducting air drops of retardant materials in the area to help combat the flames.
As the situation unfolds, Boyle residents are being asked to prepare for a potential evacuation as the wildfire south of the village along Highway 831 continues to burn, posing risks to properties within the village limits. Residents are advised to locate or pack 72-hour kits for all individuals in their households, including clothing and supplies, and to gather essential items like medications, valuable paperwork, and necessities for any dependants.
The Boyle Fire Department continues to respond to the wildfire, which is located between the Boyle fish pond and the Ellscott turnoff. At 3:39 p.m., the Village of Boyle issued a critical alert notifying locals of the fire and asking travelers and residents of the area to avoid the location while crews work to manage the blaze. Locals are also encouraged to check on family and friends and vulnerable neighbors in the area, keep all doors and windows closed, avoid spending time outdoors in smoky air, and stay tuned to Alertable and TownandCountryToday.com for further updates.
In addition to the evacuation alerts, an evacuation alert for Thorhild County residents living between Range Roads 203-211 and Township Roads 580-584 has also been placed. Although no evacuation has been called for yet, residents are being asked to prepare for a potential departure. With the wildfire situation evolving rapidly, officials are urging residents to stay informed and heed evacuation orders promptly.
The community's response to these wildfires highlights the ongoing challenges faced by rural areas in Alberta as they navigate the dangers posed by such natural disasters. As the fire crews work tirelessly to contain the flames, the cooperation of residents in adhering to evacuation orders and preparing for emergencies is crucial in ensuring their safety.
As the situation develops, authorities are committed to providing timely updates and assistance to those affected by these wildfires, ensuring that residents have the resources they need during this challenging time.
