Update 15: Alberta wildfires (June 5 at 7 p.m.)

Press Release

Distribution centres open in Edmonton and Calling Lake.

Evacuees in Edmonton and Calling Lake were able to get help applying for an evacuation payment. Applications were accepted starting Tuesday morning and, to date, more than 9,400 evacuees have received more than $9.4 million in emergency funding relief.

The areas north of Twin Lakes campground, including the communities of Keg River/Carcajou, north to the County of Northern Light’s northern border, have been added to the list of places approved for re-entry. Those returning are reminded that the area is still under an evacuation alert and they should be ready to leave on short notice.

More than half of all evacuees – nearly 5,800 – have now been approved for re-entry.

Approximately 4,800 evacuees have returned to High Level and communities in northern Alberta, with approximately 5,750 evacuees remaining displaced.

The Northwest Health Centre in High Level has re-opened, with all emergency, laboratory, X-ray, mental health and community health departments open. Alberta Health Services will be providing enhanced addiction and mental health services to help residents in High Level following the evacuation.

*The following communities remain on evacuation alert:

• Keg River, Carcajou and all residents from the northern border of the County of Northern Lights to Township Road 922 (Notikewin Road)
  • Hamlet of Sandy Lake
• Town of Slave Lake
• MD of Lesser Slave Lake, including Old Smith Highway, Mitsue, Poplar Lane, Fawcett Lake, Eben Road and Bayer Road
• Peerless Lake area of Peerless Trout First Nation
• Town of Manning and some surrounding areas
• Mackenzie County: everyone north and south of the Peace River from Township Road 1030 north to Township Road 1110, west of Range Road 120 to Highway 35 south and southeast of High Level, and east of Range Road 180 (Blue Hills Road)

*Mandatory evacuations remain in place for:

• Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement
• Some areas of Mackenzie County: west of Blues Creek, north of Highway 697, west of Blue Hills Road (RR 180) and north of Township Road 1030 and La Crete Ferry Campground to the Peace River.
• Steen River
• The Trout Lake area of Peerless Trout First Nation
• Bigstone Cree Nation
  • Wabasca No. 166
• Parts of the MD of Opportunity No. 17
• Hamlet of Wabasca – Desmarais
• Chipewyan Lake Village

*Correction moves Bigstone Creen Nation – Wabasca No. 166, Parts of the MD of Opportunity No. 17, Hamlet of Wabasca-Desmarais, and Chipewyan Lake Village to correct classification of “Mandatory evacuations remain” from incorrect list of “On evacuation alert.”

Current situation:

• Chuckegg Creek wildfire, southwest of High Level, is about 275,985 hectares.
• Jackpot Creek wildfire, approximately 11 kilometres north of Lutose, is about 28,000 hectares.
• McMillan Wildfire Complex, southwest of Bigstone Cree Nation, is more than 238,954 hectares.
• There are two wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park. Parks Canada reports them to be 69,882 hectares and 4,039 hectares in size.
• Battle Wildfire Complex in Peace River is about 56,200 hectares.
• Provincial resources on the ground include more than 2,000 wildland and structural firefighters and staff, approximately 223 helicopters and 28 air tankers and heavy equipment.
• Residents should 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.

Visit alberta.ca/emergency for detailed and frequently updated information.

Air quality

• Much of northwest Alberta is under a special air quality statement.
• Individuals may experience symptoms, such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
• If you experience breathing difficulties, find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated.
• Alberta Wildfire recommends checking FireSmoke.ca to find out where the smoke is coming from.

Financial supports

• Evacuees should check alberta.ca/emergency for updates on evacuation payment eligibility.
• Evacuees in need of financial assistance for immediate needs can apply for an Income Support program emergency needs allowance. This benefit may cover your accommodation, clothing and other urgent needs. Please call 1-877-644-9992 for more information.
• You may qualify for the evacuation payment if you were:
  • living, working or vacationing in the affected area
  • paid for most of your costs to evacuate
  • forced to leave your residence (primary, working or vacationing) due to a mandatory evacuation order – current communities include:
    • High Level
    • Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement
    • Bushe River
    • Chateh
    • Meander River
    • Wabasca-Desmarais
    • Bigstone Cree Nation 166 A, B, C and D
    • Sandy Lake
    • Chipewyan Lake Village
    • Keg River
    • Carcajou
    • Northern border of the County of Northern Lights to Township Road 922 (Notikewin Road)
• Albertans who qualify will receive $1,250 and $500 for each dependent child under 18 living in the same home when the evacuation order was given.

Application methods:

• Apply online through the MyAlberta Evacuation Payment application using a smartphone, device or desktop. Interac e-transfers may take 24 hours to process.
• Visit the Calling Lake Community Complex, Central Drive and 1 Street if you’re from:

• Wabasca-Desmarais
• Carcajou
• Sandy Lake
• Chipewyan Lake Village
• Keg River
• Bigstone Cree Nation 166 A, B, C and D
• Northern border of the County of Northern Lights to Township Road 922 (Notikewin Road)

Calling Lake Community Complex hours:

• Wednesday, June 5, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, June 6, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• If you’re in the Edmonton area and from an eligible community, please visit the Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Avenue

Edmonton Expo Centre hours:

• Wednesday, June 5, 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Thursday, June 6, 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• Parking is free for evacuees. Let the parking attendant know the purpose of your visit.
• If you’re not in the Edmonton or Calling Lake areas, contact 310-4455 to find the nearest payment distribution centre.

• If you are visiting a payment distribution centre, please bring:

• Photo identification
• Proof of residence or presence in the community
• Identification for dependent children if claiming for them

• More than 9,400 individuals have received evacuee support and more than $9.4 million has been distributed.

Read More: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=639149DDC7527-F161-DDD6-72DD86812E870821

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