Evacuation Order & Alerts

Saddle Hills County has updated the Evacuation Order due to Wildfire GWF028, in the Blueberry Mountain Area. This wildfire is now known as the Hamelin Creek Wildfire.

All those located between Township Road 794 and Highway 680 (Township Road 802), and Range Road 95 and Highway 725, remain on Evacuation Order, as well as in the Crown Land, north of Township Road 800 and south of the Blueberry Mountain Grazing Reserve. This includes Moonshine Lake Provincial Park.

All those in the surrounding area remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave on short notice. All residents who were previously evacuated due to the fire may now return home but should remain on alert. Should you require assistance, please contact Saddle Hills County, at (780) 864-3760. 

Further updates will be provided, as available. 

 

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.

Wildfire GWF028 in the Blueberry Mountain Area

By Saddle Hills County - May 23, 2025
Image: An Electra airtanker drops fire retardant over a forested area to help slow the spread of wildfire GWF028, in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Wildfire GWF028 was detected on May 22, 2025, and is currently classified as Out of Control. It is located about 30 km east of Bonanza and 8 km northwest of Moonshine Lake Provincial Park, with an estimated size of 40 hectares. Firefighters, helicopters, and heavy equipment are working to contain it.

At this time, there is no threat to communities or infrastructure. This wildfire was quickly detected by a lookout observer, which enabled crews, aircraft, and heavy equipment to respond rapidly. Thanks to this swift response, the initial fire growth has significantly slowed.

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

Sign up to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the Saddle Hills activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.

Subscribe

This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.