Evacuation Order & Alerts

The Evacuation Order has been expanded to include all those located between Township Road 804 and Highway 49, and Range Road 100 and Range Road 95. An order is also in place for everyone located between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township Rd 794 and Township Rd 802, and all those located between Township Road 794 and Highway 49, between Range Road 94 and Range Road 85, including Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. An Evacuation Centre has been established at the Blueberry Mountain Hall, located at Highway 680 and Range Road 82. Residents should bring all essential supplies, including documents, medications, and pet supplies, to last up to seven days.

The following areas are on an Evacuation Alert:

·       Between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township Road 802 and Township Road 810.

·       Everyone outside of the Evacuation Zone, between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township 794 and Highway 49.

·       Between Township Road 802 and Highway 49, and Highway 725 and Range Road 82.

Anyone in these areas should be prepared to evacuate within one hour.

Fire Ban - May 28, 2025

Due to the elevation in Fire Danger, lack of precipitation, and high outside temperatures, Saddle Hills County has issued a FIRE BAN, effective May 28, 2025. This includes all areas outside of the Grande Prairie Forest Protection Area, including private land, crown land, and recreational areas.

Now Prohibited

All outdoor wood fires, including designated fire pits, backyard fire pits, burning barrels, and any wood campfires on public or private land.

BBQ charcoal briquettes.

Fireworks and exploding targets.

Burning of brush piles, windrows, or other debris.

 

Allowed (with caution)

Propane/natural gas powered appliances

Open flame oil devices, such as turkey deep fryers and tiki torches.

Indoor wood fires, contained within a device with a chimney and a spark arrestor.

Off-Highway Vehicles.

 

All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufaturer's standards.

This FIRE BAN will remain in place until conditions improve.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1 or 310-FIRE.

UPDATE #3: Blueberry Mountain Wildfire (GWF028)

By Saddle Hills County - June 11, 2025

The fire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area remains extreme. Forest vegetation is extremely dry and can easily ignite, and strong winds can quickly drive fires to spread rapidly and unpredictably. These conditions can result in fast-moving, high-intensity wildfires that are difficult to control.

GWF028 - Wildfire crosses into Moonshine Lake Provincial Park Boundaries

Overnight the wildfire crossed into the west side of the Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. The Savanna Fire Department is standing by, ready to protect structures. Saddle Hills County crews are constructing a fire guard between the wildfire and Moonshine Lake, in coordination with Alberta Parks. Blueberry and Happy Valley fire departments are also supporting firefighting operations in the area.

As of yesterday, the wildfire was estimated at 2,500 hectares in size. Alberta Wildfire continues to respond with firefighting crews, heavy equipment, and aircraft, when smoke conditions allow for safe flight operations.

No reports have been received of residential or agricultural structures lost, at this time.

Saddle Hills County's Evacuation Order and Alert remain in effect. Moonshine Lake Provincial Park has been evacuated and remains closed.

View the Evacuation Order and Alert for more information.

Saddle Hills County's Emergency Coordination Centre continues to be operational. If evacuees require assistance, please call us at (780) 864-2031. 

Highway 725 remains open but could close if conditions worsen. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes wherever possible, to allow crews to work uninterrupted. 

More information will be provided, as available. 

Contact Us

Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca

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