Sturgeon County Fire Triggers Local State of Emergency as Wildfires Intensify

Critical Wildfire Threat Prompts Emergency Measures in Sturgeon County

In response to a rapidly growing wildfire threatening communities and critical infrastructure, Sturgeon County has officially declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE). This declaration enables local authorities to access additional resources and enact urgent public safety measures to protect residents and properties across the region.

As flames intensified due to strong winds and dry vegetation, emergency officials confirmed that the wildfire now poses a significant danger to residential areas, agricultural land, and essential utilities. The declaration provides the municipality with the power to issue evacuation orders, restrict access to specific zones, and mobilize firefighting units with enhanced coordination.

Evacuation Orders and Restricted Zones: What Residents Need to Know

Residents in high-risk zones have been mandated to evacuate immediately. Local law enforcement and emergency crews are actively conducting door-to-door notifications in the most threatened areas, ensuring no one is left behind.

Emergency shelters have been established at the following locations:

Morinville Community Cultural Centre, 9502 100 Ave, Morinville
Bon Accord Community Hall, 5025 50 Ave, Bon Accord
Gibbons Arena, 4508 51 Ave, Gibbons

Pets are welcome at these locations, and food, water, and first aid support are available.

Road closures are now in effect on several rural routes in order to streamline emergency operations and prevent civilian interference. Travel into restricted areas is prohibited without official authorization.

Fire Behavior Escalating Due to Weather Conditions

The current fire spread is classified as extreme, with shifting winds accelerating the wildfire’s reach toward residential sectors and vital infrastructure such as power lines and water stations.

Key Contributing Factors:

Wind Speeds: Gusts exceeding 40 km/h
Humidity Levels: Below 25%, contributing to drier fuel conditions
Temperature: Approaching 28°C with no rainfall forecasted for the next 72 hours

Firefighters from Sturgeon County, Morinville Fire Department, and mutual aid units from surrounding counties are actively battling the flames, deploying air tankers and bulldozers to create fire breaks and containment zones.

Emergency Operations Command Structure

To facilitate rapid response and maintain coordinated action, an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been fully activated. The EOC is currently operating at a Level 3 status, indicating a major emergency with inter-agency cooperation underway.

Air Quality Warnings and Health Advisories in Effect

Alberta Health Services has issued a high-risk air quality warning for communities within and near Sturgeon County, including Legal, Gibbons, Bon Accord, and Redwater.

Health Recommendations:

Stay indoors and keep windows sealed
Use HEPA-grade air filters if available
Limit outdoor physical activity
Wear N95 respirators if exposure to smoke is unavoidable
Seek medical attention if experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe coughing

Vulnerable populations—seniors, children, and those with respiratory conditions—are urged to relocate to clean air shelters or stay with relatives outside the smoke zone. Sturgeon County Fire

Utility Services and Infrastructure Update

At least two rural substations have reported minor damage from the encroaching wildfire. FortisAlberta is working closely with emergency crews to shut down electrical lines in threatened areas to prevent sparks and additional fire outbreaks.

Residents should expect intermittent power outages and water pressure fluctuations as utility operators reroute services for operational safety. Fuel stations are advised to cap sales per customer to preserve reserves for emergency operations.

Provincial Support and Long-Term Recovery Planning

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) has deployed personnel and aerial surveillance teams to assist Sturgeon County. Discussions are underway regarding access to Disaster Recovery Program (DRP) funds for those affected by home loss or property damage.

In the coming days, recovery and reentry plans will be developed. These will include damage assessments, debris removal, and mental health counseling services for affected families.

How the Community Can Help

Local residents who are safe and not in evacuation zones are encouraged to assist by:

Donating bottled water, blankets, and non-perishable food to shelters
Volunteering through the county’s emergency volunteer registry
Sharing verified updates from Sturgeon County’s official social media channels and website

Stay Informed and Prepared

Residents are urged to sign up for Alberta Emergency Alerts and follow real-time updates on the Sturgeon County website. All information about road closures, evacuation maps, and air quality alerts is updated hourly.

In case of emergency, dial 911. For non-urgent inquiries, contact the County’s emergency hotline at 780-939-0600.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What areas are under mandatory evacuation?
A: Evacuation applies to zones north of Township Road 564 and west of Range Road 250. Visit the county’s website for a dynamic map.

Q: Is the wildfire spreading toward Edmonton?
A: At this time, prevailing wind patterns are pushing the wildfire northward, away from Edmonton.

Q: How long will the SOLE remain in effect?
A: The declaration will remain active until the fire is fully contained and all public safety risks are mitigated.

Final Word

This is a critical time for Sturgeon County. Unified efforts by emergency responders, government agencies, and the public will determine the speed and success of containment. Safety is the utmost priority—please comply with all emergency instructions and stay vigilant.

For continuous updates, follow Sturgeon County’s official website and subscribe to regional emergency alerts.