As cooler weather continues to create favourable conditions for firefighting, Bigstone Cree Nation and Wabasca-Desmarais plan for re-entry.
On Wednesday, June 12, residents from Bigstone Cree Nation and Wabasca-Desmarais will join the more than 6,000 evacuees from the following communities who are returning to their communities:
- High Level
- Mackenzie County
- Dene Tha’ First Nation
- County of Northern Lights, south of Twin Lakes Campground including Notikewin
- Marten Beach (MD of Lesser Slave Lake)
- Keg River/Carcajou
- Peerless and Trout Lake communities
Residents in these communities remain on evacuation alert.
Evacuees can find tips on re-entry by visiting alberta.ca/emergency. Information includes making sure all your utilities are working to cleaning up, and how to deal with door-to-door salespeople offering services and insurance.
Approximately 4,400 evacuees are displaced due to mandatory evacuation orders for:
- Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement
- Bigstone Cree Nation (scheduled to return on June 12)
- Wabasca No. 166
- Parts of the MD of Opportunity No. 17
- Hamlet of Wabasca-Desmarais (scheduled to return on June 12)
- Hamlet of Sandy Lake
- Chipewyan Lake Village
Current situation:
- Approximately 3,500 people from Bigstone Cree Nation and the Hamlet of Wabasca-Desmarais will be able to return home on Wednesday, June 12.
- Chuckegg Creek wildfire, southwest of High Level, is about 265,925 hectares.
- Jackpot Creek wildfire, approximately 11 kilometres north of Lutose, is about 28,167 hectares.
- McMillan Wildfire Complex, southwest of Bigstone Cree Nation, is more than 259,539 hectares.
- Battle Wildfire Complex in Peace River is about 54,255 hectares.
- There are more than 2,000 wildland and structural firefighters and staff, approximately 150 helicopters and 22 air tankers and 241 pieces of heavy equipment on these fires.
- Check Alberta Emergency Alerts for more detailed and frequently updated information.
- People driving in fire-affected areas should carry enough fuel, as it may not be readily available.
- Be cautious of organizations not registered to solicit donations. For information on how you can help, visit alberta.ca/emergency.
Visit alberta.ca/emergency for detailed and frequently updated information.