Re-entry centre for Redwater wildfire evacuees to close, signalling end of evacuation process

Sturgeon County is closing its re-entry support centre for residents who were forced to evacuate because of the Redwater Recreation Area wildfire.

In a news release, the county said the centre in Redwater, Alta., about 70 kilometres north of Edmonton, will be permanently closed as of 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

The centre provided residents with resources about mental health, utilities, insurance, waste management and health services. Evacuees were encouraged by the county to visit the centre before returning home.

Residents were allowed to return home on Tuesday morning. However, Sturgeon County remains in a state of local emergency. 

The Redwater Recreation Area remains closed as the wildfire is still active. The county said the fire has created environmental hazards like falling trees, exposed roots and unstable ground. 

The news release said the wildfire is being held at 3,230 hectares, with firefighters working to extinguish remaining hot spots.

It also said the risk of wildfires is still at an all-time high in the area. Outdoor fires are still banned in the county and the operation of all-terrain vehicles is also prohibited.

Sturgeon County officials said at least 71 residences were evacuated due to the wildfire.