Wildfire Updates - Town Update
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LATEST UPDATE AT THE TOP
Be Prepared
Recently the weather has been favourable for firefighting efforts, however, the forecast is calling for increasing temperatures, high winds, and low relative humidity beginning on Saturday. These conditions are likely to cause elevated wildfire danger and increased wildfire behaviour, which will be challenging to wildfire operations within the Edson Forest Area.
Firefighters, aircraft, and heavy equipment have been working in conjunction with county and municipal firefighting services as aggressively as possible to make progress on these wildfires while the conditions have been favourable. Even with all of this hard work, there are still hundreds of kilometres of uncontained wildfire perimeter and fire behaviour forecasts indicate that there will be growth on many of the wildfires throughout the region.
As we live in a forest area, the risk of wildfire always remains. We need to stay prepared.
We encourage all residents in the Town of Edson to remain prepared in the event of a wildfire emergency.
• Download the Alberta Wildfire app for mobile devices.
• See Alberta Wildfire (https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire.aspx) for the status and location of wildfires, fire bans and restrictions, and learn more about wildfire prevention.
• Maintain an emergency kit stocked with supplies such as water, food, battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, extra batteries or Weatheradio.
• Store important documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information and insurance papers in a safe place in an above ground location.
• If you have a vehicle, keep the tank full in case fuel stations lose power or close down. Keep a vehicle emergency kit and include an extra phone charger with necessary adapters.
More great information on what to do before, during, and after a wildfire emergency can be found here https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx.
While evacuation orders have been lifted in Edson, we’re asking everyone to stay prepared and to keep watching our website and social media for updates.
Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services (https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page14070.aspx)
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Town of Edson Updates - May 10 4:45pm
Re-entry booklet with great safety tips, phone numbers, and information is available at www.edson.ca
Yellowhead County ECC # - 1-833-334-4630 (Current Evacuation/wildfire emergency updates)
Wildfire Info line – 310-4455 https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473)
Evacuation Expenses:
For those facing financial difficulty and are in need of food, call or text 780-725-3185 to book an appointment with the food bank. They have indicated there is food and hampers available.
For expenses related to the evacuation, the first step should be to contact your insurance provider. Most home insurance covers these types of expenses. The Alberta Government is also setting up some assistance for those out for 7 days and other information for evacuees. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx.
The province will be holding more Telephone Town Hall Meetings from tonight to Sunday from 7:30-8:30pm.
How to participate
Phone: 1-833-380-0691
Listen and ask questions online
If you have questions about your supports application:
Call 310-4455 (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Or contact Alberta Supports: Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (Monday to Friday - 7:30 am to 8 pm)
In-person: Visit an Alberta Supports Centre
We'll post more information and updates as they become available.
Town Operations: Most Town facilities (Public Works, Civic Centre, Protective Services) are now open 9am to 4pm to allow time for staff to be briefed in the morning. These hours will be in place for the rest of the week. The Leisure Centre is open with regular pool operations planned to return tomorrow. Swimming lessons are cancelled for the week.
With the weather shifting again, it’s important that everyone stay prepared. The fire is still burning out of control and, while fire guards are now in place, conditions could change. It’s also important to look at Firesmarting your property as much as possible. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/firesmart.aspx for tips.
Edson Hospital: The emergency department has re-opened with staff and physicians. There is no inpatient/admissions services yet, but EMS is available to transfer to other communities if required.
Medical Clinic: Open with adjusted hours and processes. Call for more details 780-723-5531 or go to their Facebook page.
Water Ban: The water ban remains in effect. That means all outdoor water use is prohibited, bulk water hauling is suspended, grass watering is not allowed, spray park is closed, and all water conservation measures remain in place until further notice.
Waste Collection: Back on the regularly scheduled collection schedule. Please visit www.edson.ca/residents/curbside-waste-collection for more information.
Sani Dump: Edson’s Sani-Dump is open. It’s located at 1st Avenue between 56th and 57th Street, west of the RCMP building.
Landfill: Open regular hours. The existing wood products ban will remain in place until further notice.
Insurance Claims: The Re-entry Booklet contains steps to submit claims to your insurance. If you have suffered property damage or injury and believe the Town may be responsible, please contact your auto or property insurance provider, where applicable. They should be your first call before contacting the Town and can assist with filing a claim and seeking a settlement from the Town where appropriate.
If you are unable or unwilling to submit a claim through your insurer and believe the damage may have resulted from the Town’s negligence, please complete a statement of damage/injury form from our website (https://www.edson.ca/departments/corporate-services/insurance-and-claims) and submit it to Legislative Services at legislativeservices@edson.ca, or PO Box 6300, 605 50 St, Edson AB, T7E 1T7.
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Re-Entry: May 8, 2023 08:00 a.m. (Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Municipal Update)
Welcome back!
The evacuation order for the Town of Edson and some areas of Yellowhead County, from Marlboro to the Chip Lake area, has officially been lifted. We have confirmed that Highway 16 between Jasper and Highway 751 (MacKay) is open, as well as Highway 32 from Whitecourt to Highway 16. There may be reduced visibility.
A few things of note as you return. Most importantly, drive safe and take your time getting back. Stagger your re-entry if possible.
Please note that there will be no emergency physician services at the Edson Hospital until the ER can be opened and the Emergency Department staffed, which could be later in the day. Please continue to call 9-1-1 for emergencies. EMS/ambulance is available, as well as our Medical First Responders/Fire services.
If you are not able to return home due to the evacuation order still in place in some areas of Yellowhead County you can stay at your current location, make other arrangements, or if you have nowhere to go, you can check-in at the Edson Reception Centre at the Edson and District Leisure Centre (1021 - 49 Street) to discuss accommodations.
Bussing will be available from the reception centres, taking people back to Edson. Transportation from the drop off points will also be provided.
- Jasper Bus – Assemble at the Jasper Activity Centre at 11:00 a.m., departing at 12:00 p.m.
- Hinton Bus – Assemble at Hinton Recreation Centre at 10:00 a.m., departing at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Both Town and County residents should check utilities on arrival to ensure everything is operational. If you have utility concerns, please contact your service provider as soon as possible.
Services such as grocery services, pharmacies, and gas stations should re-open as soon as possible, but residents need to be prepared for a reduction in service until staff are in place.
Fire bans remain in place and the Town of Edson is still under a water ban.
The ECC number is 1-833-334-4630 for any wildfire/re-entry related questions.
Emergency Alert Update
This is an Alberta Emergency Alert UPDATE. Yellowhead County and the Town of Edson have issued an Evacuation Order UPDATE for the Town of Edson and central and eastern parts of Yellowhead County.
Description
Some areas of Yellowhead County and Town of Edson have had the evacuation order lifted. Some areas still remain under evacuation order. Wildfires remain in areas.
Instructions
Info on municipal Facebook pages and websites for map and updates or scan the attached QR code. URL to the map is: https://arcg.is/OKbOq. click the blue “view” button. Call 1-833-334-4630 for assistance or more information. Check https://511.alberta.ca/ for highway closures.
Area Description
Areas still under evacuation order are east of Range Road 110 (north of Chip Lake) and east of Range Road 101 (south of Chip Lake) and south of Township Road 560 in Yellowhead County.
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Wildfire/Re-Entry: May 7, 2023 06:45 p.m. (Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Municipal Update)
Wildfire Update Re-entry – Planned for May 8, 2023 – 08:00 AM
The Evacuation Order is being lifted at 08:00 a.m. on Monday, May 8th, 2023 for Marlboro to the Chip Lake area. This includes the Town of Edson. Please contact the ECC at 1-833-334-4630 for assistance beyond what is listed below. Damage assessments are still ongoing for the east end of the County.
The wildfire risk has been reduced thanks to firefighting efforts and the shift in weather. There is no longer an immediate risk.
However, the order being lifted will only be for some areas in Yellowhead County at this time.
Areas east of Range Road 110 (north of Chip Lake) and east of Range Road 101 (south of Chip Lake) and south of Township Road 560 are still under evacuation order and residents in this area are not returning at this time. If you live west of this area, you can return to your home.
If you are not able to return home due to the evacuation order still in place in some areas of Yellowhead County you can stay at your current location, make other arrangements, or if you have nowhere to go, you can check-in at the Edson Reception Centre at the Edson and District Leisure Centre (1021 - 49 Street) to discuss accommodations.
Bussing will be available from the reception centres, taking people back to Edson. Transportation from the drop off points will also be provided.
- Jasper Bus – Assemble at the Jasper Activity Centre at 11:00 a.m., departing at 12:00 p.m.
- Hinton Bus – Assemble at Hinton Recreation Centre at 10:00 a.m., departing at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Safety is a priority for re-entry. Please drive safe. We encourage people stagger their re-entry if possible.
Please note that there will be no emergency physician services at the Edson Hospital until the ER can be opened and the Emergency Department staffed, which could be later in the day.
A reminder that wildfires may still be active in the area. Please stay prepared for potential changes in the situation. Please check 511.alberta.ca for anyone coming from other areas. Some routes may still be closed.
Both Town and County residents should check utilities on arrival to ensure everything is operational. If you have utility concerns, please contact your service provider as soon as possible.
Services such as grocery services, pharmacies, and gas stations should re-open as soon as possible, but residents need to be prepared for a reduction in service until staff are in place.
Planning is currently underway to ensure the resumption of municipal services such as waste collection and other essential services.
Emergency crews will still be working in the area. Please give them space and allow them to operate. Fire bans are still in place across the County, Edson Forest Area, and in the Town of Edson. A water ban is also in place for the Town of Edson.
For more re-entry tips and information, please check out the re-entry package on the Town and Yellowhead County Websites. The package includes safety information, insurance information, and a list of contact numbers for utility services.
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Wildfire/Evacuation Update: May 7, 2023 02:30 p.m. (Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Municipal Update)
Wildfire Update - Re-entry Planning
The evacuation order has not been lifted at this time, however, the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County are currently preparing a cohesive re-entry plan for residents impacted by the fires. We are looking at possible re-entry for tomorrow (May 8, 2023), for areas that will have the evacuation order lifted.
Both communities will be working with Alberta Wildfire and other agencies to ensure a safe return.
This is specifically for the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County west from Marlboro to Range Road 110 north of Chip Lake and Range Road 101 south of Chip Lake (orange on the map).
Areas east of Range Road 110 (north of Chip Lake) and east of Range Road 101 (south of Chip Lake) and south of Township Road 560 are still under evacuation order and residents in this area are not returning at this time.
We will have further information regarding re-entry on any areas east of these Range Roads as plans are developed and further assessments of the area are conducted.
Safety is our main priority as we develop this plan.
We’ll have more re-entry plan details later this afternoon.
Please call 1-833-334-4630 for more information.
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Wildfire/Evacuation Update: May 7, 2023 09:00 a.m. (Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Municipal Update)
Evacuees currently in Hinton and Jasper are not required to leave these areas at this time. We are working closely with our municipal neighbours who are assisting our county and the Town of Edson evacuees, and will continue to provide assistance and information until we are able to get residents home.
Current rain is expected to help the fire situation and we’ll have a further update once Alberta Wildfire provides their scheduled update. Keep up to date from Alberta Wildfire at https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update
Even with the current rains, the evacuation order is still in effect. We are continuing to monitor the fire situation and we’ll be communicating with residents plans for re-entry once the evacuation order is lifted.
Emergency Alert
You may receive an additional emergency alert this morning. This is just to update/resubmit the alert that has already been issued.
Evacuee Meetings
There are planned Evacuee Updates for Hinton & Jasper Evacuation Centres today.
There will be an update for evacuees at the Dr Duncan Murray Recreation Centre at 805 Switzer Drive in Hinton at 2 p.m. today.
An update will be given at the Jasper Activity Centre at 303 Bonhomme Street in Jasper at 4 p.m. today.
All important updates will be shared online for those who are not able to attend.
Evacuee Registration - Online Form
We have created an online form if you'd rather fill this out than call in. Thank you to everyone who has already registered.
The form is available at https://yhcounty.ca/evacuee-registration/
Step 1: Click the link and fill in the form.
Step 2: Press Submit when it’s completed. Then, enter your name and email address.
Step 3: You will need to confirm your email address after you submit – this is to avoid spammers.
If you have any questions or prefer to register on the phone, call 1-833-334-4630. **If you have already registered on the phone or in-person, you do not need to register again.**
Price Gouging
We have also had reports of potential price gouging.
The Consumer Protection Act prohibits businesses
from:
- Grossly raising prices beyond what is reasonable
for goods that are readily available, with no
explanation; - Applying terms or conditions that are harsh,
oppressive, or excessively one-sided; - Conducting transactions where the consumer will
receive no reasonable benefit.
If you suspect price gouging, please keep receipts and information and submit a complaint to https://www.alberta.ca/file-consumer-complaint.aspx
All evacuation orders issued by Yellowhead County and the Town of Edson are still in place. They will remain in place until authorities are confident that residents in these areas will be safe when they return home.
There will be an update for evacuees at the Dr Duncan Murray Recreation Centre at 805 Switzer Drive in Hinton at 2 p.m. today. An update will be given at the Jasper Activity Centre at 305 Bonhomme Street in Jasper at 4 p.m. today. All important updates will be shared online for those who are not able to attend.
Wildfires in the Wildwood, Evansburg, and Shiningbank areas, as well as the fire southeast of Edson (EWF031), are all still out of control.
There have been some structures lost in the Wildwood, Evansburg, and Shiningbank areas in Yellowhead County. Yellowhead County fire crews are protecting as many structures as possible with up-close fire perimeter control in these areas. We do not have property-specific information at this time. Updates will be provided as soon as we are able.
As of May 6 at 12:00 PM, the Town of Edson has not sustained any damage. Edson Fire and Mutual Aid crews continue to work on structural protection.
The RCMP continue to provide property security and patrols in both Edson and Yellowhead County.
Yellowhead County is extending their State of Local Emergency and Edson is enacting a State of Local Emergency.
Our residents continue to show resiliency throughout this situation. We thank you for your cooperation which allow our emergency services including our firefighters, Alberta Wildfire firefighters, and other agencies to safely battle these wildfires.
We thank all emergency services personnel who are working together to deal with this incident, and for the bravery and dedication they have shown over the many long hours they have spent fighting these fires.
Provincial Agricultural and Forestry Services have airtankers, helicopters, and assets that are working all the fires.
There have been several offers from community members and groups offering support of food, lodging, and several other critical resources. This show of support and community spirit is encouraging and truly shows the integrity of our residents and neighbours. We thank the Town of Hinton and Town of Jasper for assisting with the evacuation of our residents.
There will continue to be updates on the Yellowhead County and Edson websites and Facebook pages.
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Evacuation Update: May 6, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.
(Town of Edson and Yellowhead County Municipal Update)
Yellowhead County, the Town of Edson, Alberta Wildfire, and several outside contractors and organizations have continued to battle several wildfires in Yellowhead County.
Evacuation orders were issued for the Town of Edson, and several communities in Yellowhead County, over May 5th and 6th. The evacuation orders can be found at: www.yhcounty.ca/county-services/alerts/.
**All evacuation orders are still in place** until authorities are confident that residents in these areas will be safe when they return home. At this time, we do not have a timeline of when that might be, but rest assured that all involved are doing everything they can, and we will update you as soon as possible.
As of May 6, 2023 at 8:00 a.m., the Town of Edson has not been damaged by any of the wildfires.
Some areas in the east end of Yellowhead County have been damaged by the WCU-002 wildfire. We know residents have been calling in to find out the state of their properties, but until our teams are able to do a full assessment, we do not have property-specific details at this time. We are working on getting this information and will update people as soon as we are able to verify.
Yellowhead County is not granting permits to enter properties at this time with the specific exception of farmers who need to care for their livestock. Those who fall into this category can call 1-833-334-4630 to verify their information and get a permit.
If you have been evacuated and you have not yet registered, please call 1-833-334-4630 to do so. If you have registered in person at an Evacuee Reception Centre, you do not need to call and register.
Evacuee Reception Centres are located at Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre at 805 Switzer Drive in Hinton, and the Jasper Fitness & Aquatics Centre at 305 Bonhomme Street in Jasper. We thank the Town of Hinton and Town of Jasper for working with us to assist in the evacuation.
Edson Forest Update. https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update