Edmonton – The two-hour evacuation notice, which Lodgepole residents have been under since Wednesday, has been lifted.
While a full fire ban remains in place for Brazeau County, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development has classified the wildfire near the community as under control.
Residents of the hamlet, located about 130 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, were allowed to return to their homes Wednesday.
The community was evacuated Sunday after an out of control wildfire began to threaten the area.
On Wednesday morning, 130 residents of the small community received news they could return home.
“With the cloud cover, the higher relative humidity, moisture in the air, the fire behaviour became minimal,” said Leah Lovequist with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. “That gave firefighters a really good chance to get in there and close and get into those ground fires.”
However, residents remained on a two hour standby notice to leave their homes again, in case the fire picked back up.
“That is an advisement so that they’re prepared in a moment’s notice because the fire is still active,” said Marco Schoeninger, Chief Administrative Officer, Brazeau County.
Residents were relieved, after days of wondering what was happening back home.
“I’d like to be able to go and see what’s going on with my house and it’s kind of nice to be able to go home,” said Gwen Wiltse.
ATCO Gas crews were in Lodgepole Wednesday to turn natural gas lines back on in each home.
Residents were being advised to not light any appliances or other equipment themselves.
The 1,200 hectare fire, about two kilometers from Lodgepole, is now being held and is no longer believed to be a threat to the hamlet.
More than 50 firefighters, 12 helicopters and various heavy equipment and airtankers have been involved in fighting the blaze.
For up to date information on fire bans in Alberta, visit www.albertafirebans.ca.
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