WESTLOCK - As of 7 p.m. on June 5, Westlock County has lifted the mandatory evacuation order for residents along the Pembina River.
Residents on the West side of the Pembina River are now able to return home but “should remain vigilant” said the county in their update.
East side residents were able to return home on June 2.
Fire crews had been on the scene since May 29 when a fire located south of Fawcett was classified as out of control. Firefighters with the help of aircrafts are calling it on hold due to the current weather conditions and resources.
While the fire may be under control, residents should remember that there are potential hazards in the area and to be cautious about them. Some trees may fall without warning from weakened trunks and limbs, there may be ash pits that cause serious burns if stepped on beneath the ground and hot spots are still located around the area and could reignite under the right conditions.
The fire is said to have burned deeply into the ground in some areas and hot spots within the interior are still in need of extinguishing. Firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters will continue to contain and put out the active remaining areas.
