May 27th 11:30 am
The evacuation order remains in full effect. The Edith Lake Wildfire SWF 076 is currently just over 8 kilometers from the community and 4.9 kilometers from Highway 33. Wildfire activity was lower overnight due to cool temperatures and higher humidity. Night vision helicopters, and fire crews worked through the night.
Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected throughout the day today and fire activity is expected to increase . Wind gusts up to 45 km/hr are expected today out of the west. Guards are continuing to be built with heavy equipment today to offer protection on the south side of the fire. Helicopters and air tankers are continuing to attack the south and east aggressively.
In the community the Town is operating out of the Emergency Operations Centre. Fire suppression systems are being set up through the community focusing on areas of most risk. These systems are being jointly set up with Swan Hills Protective Services and Alberta Wildfire. Two wildland urban interface crews and high volume water systems have arrived today and are being set up. No rain overnight in the community.
There has been no entry or fire behaviour within the community. All utilities such as power, gas, water and sewer remain operational and there has not been any outages.
We urge any evacuees who have not registered to register at the Reception Centre in Whitecourt (Allan & Jean Millar Centre – 58 Sunset Blvd.) or by phone at 780-778-3637. We want to continue to remind evacuees that Whitecourt is the registered reception centre for the Town.
Thanks to all residents for your understanding and compassion towards each other during this challenging time.
– Town of Swan Hills