LATEST UPDATE, April 20, 7 p.m.: A post appeared on Parkland County’s Facebook page early Wednesday evening that read “Mayor Rod Shaigec has cancelled the state of local emergency that was called on April 18 due to wildfires.”
The post went on to say fire crews continue to battle fires in both the Duffield and Tomahawk areas of the county but pointed out that both are now described as “under control.”
However, residents of the nearby Paul First Nation remain under an evacuation order because of a wildfire that has already displaced about 165 people.
EDMONTON – A little over 24 hours after a wildfire triggered an evacuation order for residents of Parkland County west of Edmonton, local officials lifted the order and said all county residents could come home Tuesday night.
The evacuation order was lifted at 7 p.m. and officials also said the evacuation alert for residents in the Clear Lake subdivision and Spruce Ridge Properties is no longer in effect.
A partial evacuation order on the Paul First Nation, however, remains in effect.
READ MORE: Wildfire forces residents of Paul First Nation from their homes
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A precautionary air quality alert was also in effect for much of the county, including in Spruce Grove and Stony Plain.
Alberta Health Services said in smoky conditions, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.
Those who are sensitive to poor air quality, such as people with with respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma and people with heart conditions, may notice a worsening of symptoms. Children and elderly are also at higher risk of smoke-related illness.
To reduce the chance of irritation, AHS suggested taking steps such as keeping windows and doors closed, closing floor registers and fire dampers, and and closing air-conditioner fresh-air intakes to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
On Sunday afternoon, a wildfire broke out in the hamlet of Duffield and on Monday an evacuation order was put into effect for both Duffield and the Duffield Downs subdivision. Residents of about 80 homes were displaced and forced to spend the night in nearby hotels.
READ MORE: Parkland County wildfires prompt local state of emergency, evacuations
About 50 firefighters from Parkland County, Strathcona County, Yellowhead County, the Agriculture Forestry Department and Edmonton were called in to assist with the blaze.
Six helicopters were also used Tuesday to get the priority areas under control.
A post on the Parkland County Facebook page said the while the blaze is still considered an active wildfire, it “is being held.”
Area residents are being advised they can still expect smoky conditions for the next few days and that fire crews will remain in the area.
For the latest evacuation information, visit Alberta Emergency Alerts online.
There were 34 wildfires burning in Alberta – three were listed as out of control – as of 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Visit the government of Alberta’s website for the very latest information on the wildfire status across Alberta and the current fire ban situation
You can also download the Alberta Wildfire app for Android and Apple for real-time updates on the fire conditions across the province.
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