Yellowhead County lifts evacuation order for Evansburg, keeps it for Wildwood

Helicopter crashes during wildfire fighting An Alberta pilot was killed in a crash during a firefighting operation in northern Alberta on Wednesday.

Yellowhead County ended an evacuation order for Evansburg Wednesday morning.

As of 8 a.m., residents of the hamlet – as well as the rural area east, north and south of Wildwood – were allowed to return.

"They were very excited yesterday when we told them they were going back," said Yellowhead County Mayor Wade Williams.

"We had to give some sad news to Wildwood and a stretch of the county that still cannot go back, but for the most part, Evansburg is back today and a good portion of the county is back today and just welcome home folks."

The county asked residents to:

"Planning is currently underway to ensure the resumption of municipal services such as waste collection and other essential services," the county said in a notice posted on its website.

"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."

The evacuation centre can answer questions at 1-833-334-4630. Busing to Evansburg from the Edson reception centre was scheduled for 8 a.m.

Janet McKerry and Russell Waddell were excited to hear Tuesday night they would be going home.

It's their second return since April 29. The town has been evacuated twice due to wildfires.

"We were up at seven and ready to go," McKerry said. "It was very smoky, very stinky, but it was nice to be heading home."

They're happy to go back, but said they won't be getting too comfortable.

"We're going to keep the camper going," Waddell said.

"So we're more at the ready the next time," McKerry added. "I'm hoping there isn't going to be another.

"I hope it rains all summer personally now, just so the stress is gone."

Williams said new fires could spark up any time, especially with hot, dry weather in the forecast, so all Yellowhead County residents should be prepared to leave.

"We are in an extreme fire season right now," Williams added. "I don't care where you're at, whether you have active fires in your area or not – have bags packed, have your photos, have the things that are important to you ready to go."

Entwistle residents were allowed to return late Monday afternoon. Three homes and a business on the edge of the community were destroyed by wildfire.

OTHER PARTS OF COUNTY STILL EVACUATED

Several areas of Yellowhead County remain evacuated:

The county said re-entry for these areas was being planned for "later" in the week.

"Re-entry plans are being done for the Hamlet of Wildwood, Lobstick Resort, and Hansonville. Assessments are being done for property and structures in these locations."

Two of the largest fires close to Entwistle and Evansburg are 9,900 hectares and 2,400 hectares in size, respectively, according to Alberta Wildfire on Tuesday.

Both were detected April 29.

On Tuesday, the agency called the forecast "favourable for the next few days, with trace amounts of rain and overcast conditions." However, hot and dry conditions are expected to return by the end of the week.