Redwater fire now being held; evacuation order lifted

A wildfire in Sturgeon County is now considered held, meaning evacuees can return to their homes.

Residents near Redwater, Alta., who have been displaced from their homes for 10 days because of the threat of a nearby wildfire are allowed to return as of Tuesday.

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The evacuation order was lifted because the 3,230-hectare wildfire was reclassified as being held, rather than out of control, officials announced Tuesday morning. The reclassification means the fire is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries given current weather conditions and resources.

“Firefighters have made excellent progress, but there is still work ahead to bring this wildfire under control,” read an update on the Sturgeon County website.

“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. ”

Returning residents were asked to give firefighters space to work, avoid burned areas, and respect road closures.

They were allowed to go home as of 9 a.m.

The county will remain under a state of local emergency.

Re-entry resources are available on the county’s website and at Pembina Place in Redwater, which is serving as a support centre.

There are no other evacuations due to wildfires in Alberta.