The Swan Hills wildfire, being referred to as the Edith Lake wildfire, has grown to 3,629 hectares in size and is still rated as an out-of-control wildfire, the provincial government said in an update Wednesday (May 28).
“Weather conditions today are expected to increase fire activity,” said the Alberta Government website update.
“Temperatures are forecasted to reach 28°C with SE winds at 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.”
The firefighting response has included firefighters on the ground supported by helicopters air tankers and heavy equipment.
There is night vision equipped helicopters working overnight with heavy equipment to keep the containment lines strengthened and supported.
The firefighting crews are working to contain the south side of the wildfire where it has crossed Highway 33.
The 511 Alberta website on May 28 shows Highway 33 north of Swan Hills still closed due to wildfire and smoke reducing visibility on the highway.
The residents of Swan Hills were ordered to evacuate on May 26 after 6 p.m. to the Allen and Jean Miller Centre located at 58 Sunset Blvd. Whitecourt, Alberta.
All evacuees are encouraged to register at the reception centre.
If you are not going through Whitecourt for evacuation, please contact 780-778-3637 to register.
The Barrhead FCSS Society, the Barrhead Library and Barrhead Agriculture Society are also open for evacuees who have come to the Barrhead area.
Highway 32 and Highway 33 were closed on May 26 shortly after 7 p.m. with Highway 33 partially opening on May 27 south of Swan Hills.
The Pembina Hills School Division announced the closure of Swan Hills School on the evening of May 26 until the evacuation has ended.
A video of the Swan Hills wildfire was posted on Tiktok on May 28.
