Sturgeon County, located north of Edmonton, has issued an urgent evacuation order due to a rapidly spreading wildfire that threatens local residents. The Alberta Emergency Alert was activated on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:33 p.m., changing from a preliminary warning to a mandatory evacuation directive. Residents in the affected area, which stretches from Range Road 211 East to Range Road 203, and between Township Road 580 South to Township Road 573, are being instructed to evacuate immediately.
As the wildfire continues to grow, officials have set up a reception centre at Pembina Place in Redwater, Alberta. Residents are required to register in person at this centre to receive future support. “All residents in the evacuation area must report in person to the reception centre,” Sturgeon County stated in a Facebook post. The county has advised evacuees to bring important documents and medications, as they may need to be away from their homes for at least three days.
The wildfire, which ignited on Saturday, May 3, 2025, was reportedly sparked by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that caught fire in a remote section of the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area. The cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical or mechanical failure. By Monday, May 5, the fire had grown to an estimated 400 hectares, but as of Tuesday evening, it had expanded significantly, covering approximately 1,500 hectares.
Fire officials are closely monitoring the situation, noting that hot, dry, and windy conditions are exacerbating the fire's spread. Alberta Wildfire has indicated that high fire activity is expected due to these conditions. “There’s a chance of high fire activity today due to wind and dry conditions,” officials warned.
In response to the escalating danger, the evacuation order has been expanded to include additional residents on Range Roads 203-214 and between Township Roads 580-584. As of 9:10 p.m. on May 6, an evacuation order was also issued for Thorhild County, affecting residents living on Range Roads 203-211 and Township Roads 580-584. A reception centre has been established at Thorhild Community Hall for those affected.
As of early May 7, 2025, an evacuation alert has been issued for residents east of Range Road 223 to the North Saskatchewan River, and between Township Road 580 South to Township Road 570, including the Town of Redwater. This alert serves as a precautionary measure, indicating that if a mandatory evacuation order is issued, residents will have just one hour to evacuate.
Despite the ongoing challenges, officials have taken steps to support affected residents. The reception centre has been relocated to the Morinville Leisure Centre as of May 7, and a call centre line has been established for evacuees at 587-200-3068. Sturgeon County has also created a dedicated webpage to provide ongoing updates regarding the wildfire situation.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and prepare for a potential evacuation at short notice. “Everyone in the impacted area must prepare for a possible evacuation,” officials stated. They recommend that residents fuel their vehicles, gather essential documents and medications, and be ready to be away from home for an extended period.
In light of the wildfire, a total fire ban has been imposed across Sturgeon County, Redwater, Legal, and Bon Accord, effective as of May 4, 2025. This ban prohibits all outdoor fires, including recreational fire pits, open fires, burn barrels, and fireworks. Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution in grassy areas to prevent accidental fires.
The Sturgeon County fire crews have been working diligently to contain the blaze, which remains a significant threat to the local community. As of May 6, the fire was reported to be 70% contained, but emergency services continue to monitor conditions closely. Firefighters are also conducting aerial operations to reinforce fire guards and suppress the flames.
As the situation evolves, Sturgeon County officials are committed to keeping residents informed. They have emphasized the importance of following evacuation orders promptly to ensure safety. “Leaving promptly helps emergency crews keep the roads clear of congestion and gives them room to do their job,” the county advised.
For now, the focus remains on protecting life and property as the wildfire continues to pose a serious risk. Residents are encouraged to stay updated via the Sturgeon County website and the Alberta Emergency Alert app. The community's resilience and cooperation will be crucial as they navigate this challenging situation together.
