Residents of rural area north of Edmonton ordered to evacuate due to wildfire

REDWATER – A wildfire burning in a rural area northeast of Edmonton has forced some residents from their homes.

An Alberta emergency alert says Sturgeon County has issued an evacuation order as flames burn near the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area.

The municipality says on social media that the order affects people living east of Redwater, roughly 61 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.

Affected residents are told to gather important documents and medication and sign up for supports at the Pembina Place reception centre.

The municipality says major fire activity was expected due to high winds and that crews are working to put out the fire. 

Officials say crews would be conducting air drops of retardant materials in the area.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2025.