Edmonton City Council held a meeting of the Emergency Advisory Committee on May 8 to review the status of provincial wildfires and discuss continued City support for evacuees. The Committee has determined that Edmonton does not currently require a local state of emergency and that the city’s fire risk is at a level that Edmonton Fire Rescue Services can manage.
The City is well-equipped to continue helping residents from Drayton Valley and Brazeau County until it is safe for them to return to their homes.
“The City of Edmonton is proud to be able to support our regional partners in whatever way we can until the wildfires can be managed,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “I want to thank all of our first responders, who are working tirelessly to keep Albertans safe.”
The City continues to support evacuees through a Reception Centre in the Edmonton Expo Centre, which provides temporary lodging, food services, clothing, animal care and health care.
“We’re happy to be able to provide evacuees with necessities while they get through this difficult time,” said City Manager Andre Corbould. “I’m really proud of our City staff, who have been working around the clock to make sure evacuees are as comfortable as they can be given the situation.”
In addition to the Expo Centre, the City of Edmonton sent 12 crews and equipment to support the Entwistle, Yellowhead County and Strathcona County responses.
To help reduce further fire risk, the City’s fire ban continues to remain in effect until further notice. It prohibits open burning, fireworks, backyard fire pits and cooking stoves and BBQs that use fuels such as wood and briquettes.
Here are some tips to stay safe during this season:
Stay informed: Pay attention to local weather reports and news updates on wildfire activity in your area.
Have an evacuation plan: Know your escape routes and have a plan in place to evacuate quickly if necessary.
Stay away from the fire: If a wildfire is nearby, stay away from the affected area and do not try to approach the fire to take pictures or get a closer look.
Stay indoors if possible: If you cannot evacuate, stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home.
Pack a survival kit: Have a survival kit ready with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and a flashlight.
Protect your home: Clear any flammable debris or materials around your home and consider installing fire-resistant roofing.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, a serious risk during a wildfire.
Wear protective clothing: If you need to be outside during a wildfire, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy shoes.
Be mindful of air quality: Keep track of air quality reports and avoid prolonged exposure to smoke and ash.
Follow official instructions: Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders, who will have the latest information on the wildfire and evacuation orders.
