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May 15, 2026 1:38 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur
Some residents forced from their homes earlier this week due to a wildfire northwest of Edmonton could begin returning Friday as fire conditions stabilize in parts of Woodlands County.
Woodlands County officials said on social media that re-entry is expected to begin for residents in Zone 1 only, while evacuation orders for other affected areas remain in place. Residents returning to the area are being asked to complete a waiver because the wildfire is still considered active.
About 140 residents were ordered to evacuate Monday as crews responded to a wildfire near the town of Whitecourt, located roughly 175 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
According to Alberta Wildfire, the fire has reached about 51 hectares and is not expected to spread beyond its current boundaries. County officials have confirmed that one residence was destroyed.
The phased re-entry plan means emergency officials will continue monitoring fire conditions before expanding access to additional evacuation zones. Authorities have not yet said when residents outside Zone 1 may be allowed to return.
