Wildfires west of Edmonton: evacuation order lifted for Evansburg, Entwistle

Residents of some towns west of Edmonton were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday afternoon after an evacuation order was lifted.

Parkland and Yellowhead County residents of Evansburg, Entwistle and those living west of Highway 22 were permitted to return home as of noon.

The evacuation orders were put in place Friday and Saturday because of dangerous grass fires that were quickly moving west.

The orders remained in place for for residents in Wildwood, Lobstick and areas near Chip Lake. The exact evacuation zone is west of Range Road 65 to Highway 22 and north of Township Road 530 to Highway 16.

The rural municipality of Parkland County says residents with breathing or health concerns may choose to stay away a little longer because of air quality. Air quality monitoring will begin in Wildwood.

Returning residents are being asked to check their utilities and services for any issues.

RELATED:

• No coal BBQs, fireworks: Edmonton under fire ban
• Wildfires continue to grow around Edmonton as province remains dry
• Grass fires west, northwest of Edmonton force evacuation of communities

The first out-of-control wildfire near Evansburg, burning on both sides of Highway 22 and north of Highway 16, was an estimated 2,400 hectares by Tuesday morning.

Six helicopters and 31 firefighters worked to put out the blaze, which is a mixture of grass, shrub, trees and marsh.

A second out-of-control wildfire southeast of Evansburg was an estimated 330 hectares by Tuesday morning.

Complete map of Alberta wildfires available here.