Redwater evacuation order lifted as wildfire not expected to grow
Posted May 13, 2025 10:36 am.
Last Updated May 13, 2025 10:42 am.
An evacuation order for the Redwater Recreation Area in Sturgeon County was lifted Tuesday morning, with the wildfire now classified as being held.
Considering current weather conditions and resources, the fire is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries.
Residents in the affected area were permitted to return home as of 9 a.m.
A full guide to re-entry is available on the county’s website, with information about accessing clean drinking water and how to dispose of fire-damaged waste.
“For the safety of residents, if fire activity has occurred around their home, a safe distance (two tree lengths) must be maintained from burnt standing trees, which pose extreme danger,” the website notice reads.
Sturgeon County says the wildfire is about 3,230 hectares in size.
“There are hot spots within the interior of this fire that need to be extinguished. This work will take time. The fire has burned deeply into the ground in some areas. Firefighters need to dig and expose the hot spots, then douse them with water.”
Residents are being asked to avoid burned areas and respect road closures to give space to firefighters.
The wildfire, which has been burning since May 3, was caused by an ATV catching fire in a remote part of the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area. It is believed to have been due to an electrical or mechanical failure.
