Over 8,000 residents of Edson and area were ordered  to evacuate just after 5:30 Friday afternoon. Those in the area were told to head to either Jasper or Hinton to register there.

Here is the evacuation order issued by Alberta Emergency Alert:

From: Yellowhead County

Issued: May 05, 2023 at 05:37 PM

Ends: 23 hours, 4 minutes

History:

  • Alert: May 05, 2023 at 05:37 PM

Area: Western boundary of evacuation zone is Marlboro and Range Road 200 all the way to the East of Yellowhead County. Northern boundary is Township Road 550 and southern is Township Road 520. This includes the town of Edson.

Description: You need to evacuate immediately. Evacuation route is west to Hinton or Jasper.

Instruction: Evacuate immediately. For those with no transportation or require bussing go to Glenwood Park, Holy Redeemer High, Westhaven School, Griffith Park Parking Lot, Mary Bergeron School, Hillendale Park. Info on municipal Facebook pages and websites for map and updates. Call 1-833-334-4630 for assistance.