Sturgeon County has declared a state of local emergency as an out-of-control wildfire continues to burn through the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area, prompting evacuations, property loss, and a full emergency response effort.
The blaze, estimated at 110 hectares — roughly the size of West Edmonton Mall — is being battled by multiple fire crews under the coordination of the Sturgeon Regional Emergency Management Partnership (SREMP). An emergency coordination centre has been activated to manage the rapidly evolving situation.
The fire is affecting an area bounded by Range Road 205 to Victoria Trail, and Township Road 574 to Range Roads 205 and 203. At the time of the latest update, the fire has not crossed the North Saskatchewan River.
One home has been destroyed in the blaze, and several animals, including a herd of cattle, were safely relocated. Thanks to the swift work of emergency crews, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities.
“The main priorities right now are containment and the protection of property,” Sturgeon County officials stated in the early-morning update.
Residents in the vicinity remain under an evacuation notice. All roads in the area are restricted to local traffic only, and members of the public are being asked to stay away from the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area to allow emergency crews the space and safety to work.
Sturgeon County said no volunteers or outside agency support is needed at this time, and they are not accepting donations.
The county remains under a Fire Restriction, and officials are urging all residents to be vigilant and take fire prevention measures seriously.
Further updates will be provided through SturgeonCounty.ca and through local media as more information becomes available.
