May 8, 2023
Edmonton City Council held a meeting of the Emergency Advisory Committee on May 8 to review the status of provincial wildfires and discuss continued City support for evacuees. The Committee has determined that Edmonton does not currently require a local state of emergency and that the city’s fire risk is at a level that can be managed by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.
The City is well-equipped to continue helping residents from Drayton Valley and Brazeau County until it is safe for them to return to their homes.
“The City of Edmonton is proud to be able to support our regional partners in whatever way we can until the wildfires can be managed,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “I want to thank all of our first responders, who are working tirelessly to keep Albertans safe.”
The City continues to provide support to evacuees through a Reception Centre in the Edmonton Expo Centre, which is providing temporary lodging, food services, clothing, animal care and health care.
“We’re happy to be able to provide evacuees with necessities while they get through this difficult time,” said City Manager Andre Corbould. “I’m really proud of our City staff, who have been working around the clock to make sure evacuees are as comfortable as they can be given the situation.”
In addition to the Expo Centre, the City of Edmonton has also sent 12 crews and equipment to support the Entwistle, Yellowhead County and Strathcona County responses.
In order to help reduce further fire risk, the City’s fire ban continues to remain in effect until further notice. It prohibits open burning, fireworks, backyard fire pits and cooking stoves and BBQs that use fuels such as wood and briquettes.
