Wildfires destroy homes, force evacuation near Edmonton
Municipalities have begun restricting fires as wildfires spark in the region. Sturgeon County issued a complete fire ban on May 2, the same day a wildfire destroyed three homes in the summer village of Sandy Beach. Parkland County also issued a fire ban as it battled a wildfire near Range Road 10 and Beau Rand Estates. Both fires have been contained. The province's wildfire risk is rated as very high to extreme due to dry conditions and wind. Gibbons has issued a fire ban, while the City of Leduc, Leduc County, Devon, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain are each under a fire advisory or restriction, meaning residents are urged to use caution when using campground and backyard fire pits.
Edmonton has postponed a planned controlled burn at Jan Reimer Park due to the wind, which could affect fire control and smoke management. City council recently approved a strategy to manage wildfire in areas where urban development meets undeveloped wildland vegetation — the wildland-urban interface. The four pillars of the strategy focus on managing vegetation, responding to wildfires, collaborating with neighbouring jurisdictions, and educating and preparing the community.
As of the afternoon of May 5, there were 24 wildfires burning across the province, but no wildfires of significant public interest that pose a threat to public safety, communities, or critical infrastructure. At a news conference at the Villeneuve Airport, Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said the government has hired more than 550 firefighters, and it can access hundreds more through contracts. It also has 18 water bombers, as well as helicopters with night-vision capability. The most up-to-date information on potential evacuations can be found on the Alberta Emergency Alert website, while recent updates on wildfires can be found on the Alberta Wildfire website. Fire bans, restrictions, and advisories will be posted on a municipality's website.
