EDMONTON, Alberta— A large wildfire in north-central Alberta prompted evacuation orders for residents in parts of Woodlands County this week, as dry conditions fueled early season fires across western Canadian provinces.
The out-of-control blaze, located about 3.5 kilometres southeast of Whitecourt and near Highway 43, grew rapidly on May 11, prompting an Alberta Emergency Alert. Officials ordered residents south of Highway 43, between the West Ridge subdivision at Range Road 114 and Range Road 111A, to leave immediately. Evacuees were directed to a reception centre at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt, about 180 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
By late May 11, the fire had reached between 55 and 60 hectares, according to Woodlands County Reeve Dave Kusch. Alberta Wildfire reported extreme fire behaviour, with crews using helicopters, airtankers and ground teams for suppression efforts continuing into the night. Night-vision-equipped helicopters were requested for overnight operations.
Kusch noted the area's dense subdivisions and dry vegetation contributed to the fire's quick spread. "It just took off. A little bit of wind and the heat and the dry — it just went very fast," he told CBC News.
Evacuee Cage Trigg described the sudden impact. "It's affecting a lot of, you know, my home, my neighbours, my community … every minute counts and the fire doesn't stop at a community's borders," he said. Whitecourt Mayor Ray Hilts reported seeing dark smoke and water bombers from the town.
The incident is part of heightened early wildfire activity in western Canada. British Columbia and Alberta have seen new fires and drought conditions contributing to elevated risk this spring, following multiple severe seasons. As of mid-May, national reports indicated fire activity building in British Columbia and Alberta, with some evacuation alerts or orders issued.
Alberta Wildfire and provincial authorities continued monitoring the situation, with phased re-entry beginning in affected zones as conditions allowed in subsequent days. Details on the total number of evacuees and final fire size remained subject to updates from officials.
No injuries were immediately reported from the Woodlands County fire. Firefighters from multiple agencies remained deployed, with forecasts indicating potentially more favourable weather for containment.
Western provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan, continue to prepare for the 2026 wildfire season amid variable spring conditions. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow local alerts.
As of May 19, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and provincial services were providing ongoing updates on active fires and air quality impacts.
