Drayton Valley officials urge residents to stay away despite rumors of safe return
Posted May 8, 2023 1:09 pm.
Last Updated May 8, 2023 7:59 pm.
Drayton Valley County Fire Service is warning residents not to return home after rumours of the area being safe following a wildfire.
In an update on Sunday, fire chief Tom Thompson says while rain in the area was beneficial, the fire remains out of control.
“It is imperative that people stay out of this area. I can’t stress that enough. The evacuation order remains in effect for this area. Even with the change in the weather and the rain,” said Thompson.
“We understand that there are rumours circulating that the community is safe and that you can return to the community. This is false, and we and you will be turned away at the checkpoints that have been set up around the perimeter.”
As of Sunday, four homes were lost due to the wildfire. Thompson said fire crews are working to notify the homeowners and confirmed all four homes were located on the perimeter of Drayton Valley.
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Despite the rain helping firefighters, as of Sunday afternoon, the fire had grown 40 per cent — up to 4,970 hectares.
“We are working tirelessly to contain the fire, we have multiple crews still working to assist on this fire.”
Saturday. an animal registry was set up to conduct animal welfare checks. Since creating the registry, officials in Drayton Valley have checked up on 116 animals.
READ MORE: Brazeau County/Drayton Valley Evacuation Tracking Form
To get updates on when it will be safe to return to Drayton Valley, residents are encouraged to register for updates through the Drayton Valley or Brazeau County Facebook pages, or by calling 780-542-7777.
