After more than two intense weeks of firefighting, the wildfire at the Redwater Recreation Area has officially been classified as under control, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Sturgeon County, the Sturgeon Regional Emergency Management Partnership, and Alberta Wildfire crews.

The wildfire, which scorched 3,230 hectares, is no longer spreading. Over 200 emergency personnel worked tirelessly on the ground and in the air to contain the fire. Thanks to their commitment and rapid response, there was no loss of life, and property loss was limited to three dwellings: one house, a recreational cabin, and an RV trailer.

Fire crews continue to monitor and extinguish hot spots deep within the fire zone, with helicopter support on standby should flare-ups occur. While the situation has stabilized, authorities stress that the Redwater Recreation Area remains closed under Alberta Parks jurisdiction, and all road closures must still be respected to ensure the safety of personnel and the public.

As of 9:00 a.m. on May 21, Sturgeon County has officially lifted its State of Local Emergency. The off-highway vehicle (OHV) and ATV ban has also been removed, and the full fire ban has been reduced to a fire restriction.

Residents are reminded to always know their location and call 911 in case of emergency. For continued updates, visit sturgeoncounty.ca/fire-bans and albertafirebans.ca, or contact Protective Services at 780-939-8400.

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In times of crisis, the strength and resilience of a community often shine brightest

through the dedication of individuals who step up to help those in need. Recently, the

Emergency Social Services (ESS) team in Thorhild demonstrated this commitment with

exemplary courage and professionalism during an urgent situation in the Southeast part

of Thorhild County.

On Tuesday evening, May 6, the community faced an unforeseen challenge as

they received an evacuation notice affecting local residents. This alert called for

immediate action, and the ESS team rose to the occasion with remarkable readiness.

The seamless registration and support provided to those impacted showcased the hard

work and preparation of each member. Their ability to adapt and step in wherever

needed made a crucial difference, ensuring that everyone received the care and

assistance they required during that turbulent time.

When directed to open the reception centre, everyone pitched in to set up tables

and chairs, put on coffee, set up snacks, hung signs, reviewed maps and information

and waited for evacuees to arrive. The reception centre remained open and manned

through the night into the late afternoon of May 7. Approximately forty households were

registered and while many had family nearby to stay with, several households did

require accommodations in Westlock.

While not all team members received a direct call to action for this particular

response, it is essential to emphasize that this was a result of the team’s substantial

structure and readiness. Having a strong enough group to meet the immediate needs of

the residents is a testament to their dedication and preparation. If the situation had

escalated, all hands would have been on deck, demonstrating the true spirit of

teamwork that defines the local ESS.

Regarding ESS and their response, the team leaders believe that communication

and feedback are vital to growth and effectiveness. It is encouraged that all team

members share thoughts on what worked well, suggestions for improvements, and any

insights from this experience. Personal experiences and voices are invaluable in

shaping response strategies for future emergencies.

As ESS reflects on the recent event, they extend their deepest gratitude to each

volunteer for their hard work, commitment, and compassion. These individuals are the

backbone of our community’s emergency response efforts, and it is through their

unwavering support that as a community  there is connection and commitment to face

any challenge that comes their way.

A thank you goes out once again for the incredible service of everyone involved.

Comments regarding emergency services revolved not only around the ESS volunteers

and their amazing dedication, but also around Thorhild County’s fire department and

their quick readiness and spectacular staging in their response to the fire.

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On May 3rd, community members, organizations and not-for profits across

Alberta came together for an annual cleanup program and opportunity to fundraise for

themselves. The highway clean-up event is aimed at promoting environmental

stewardship and keeping local roadways clean. Volunteers gathered early in the

morning, donning brightly coloured vests and equipped with gloves, trash bags, and

plenty of enthusiasm.

Always held on the first or second Saturday of May, groups are given selections

of highway and get to work keeping Alberta clean. It is a wonderful opportunity for

groups to give back to their communities and does more than just clean up the litter

along side the roads. There is a sense of togetherness and community spirit, and they

work with each other fulfilling a sense of responsibility to their own communities and the

environment. Families, friends, and local organizations joined forces, working side by

side to beautify their surroundings and as drivers slow to pass those bright coloured

vests, it encourages personal reflection of their own littering habits.

As the day progressed, volunteers filled numerous bags with debris ranging from

bottles and cans to unimaginable items and areas so over-run with waste that other

groups were needed to assist to get them finished. The unwavering commitment of

Albertans in their diligent efforts is truly something, it exemplifies a deep dedication to

improving the natural landscapes around their homes. This program as a collective not

only beautifies their surroundings but also guarantees a clean and safe environment for

everyone to enjoy.

The Alberta highway clean-up day was not just a chance to clear away trash, it is

a reminder of the impact pollution has on local ecosystems and individual surroundings.

A thank you goes out to all the groups who took time to participate, they have made a

tangible difference in their community, setting a positive example for others to follow in

future initiatives. The day ended, the last orange bag loaded into a truck, and beyond

the highways the grass grew green and inviting, pristine for all travelers as they looked

beyond their windshields.

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satisfaction and retention.
The daycare itself is designed to be bright, cheerful, and welcoming, providing an
environment that encourages play, exploration, and learning. It balances colourful areas
for noise and fun with cozy nooks and corners designated for quiet reading or to
decompress if overwhelmed or overstimulated. It’s truly amazing to reflect on how far
Seeds to Sprouts Childcare Society has evolved from three mothers gathered around a
kitchen table discussing the pressing need for childcare to its initial opening in 2019, to
where it is now.

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gasping, the Bullarama also featured a table auction and a 50/50 draw, which raised

funds to assist in replacing a compressor for the local ice plant, scheduled for
installation this fall.
The night wrapped up with an adult dance featuring the Ryan Snow Band, where
the dance floor was filled with energy, as everyone pulled up their boots and enjoyed a
night of two-stepping, twirling toe-tapping enjoyment.
In a show of community connection, Thorhild Titans Soccer also lent their support
by assisting with the Sunday cleanup, emphasizing the collaborative effort that made
the Thorhild Bullarama an all-around community event. Thorhild Bullarama is a crowd
favourite and a spring highlight that looks towards a continuing tradition of bringing bull-
riders right to their small-town fans.

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The SLRCWA’s commitment to creating a safer and more informed community for all is truly inspiring. The Alberta Farmers’ Advocate John Fuga Award is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and their efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the youth of Smoky Lake and surrounding areas.

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