Evacuation Order and Alert

Updated - August 9, 2024 - 12:54 p.m.

Saddle Hills County has issued an Evacuation Alert due to wildfires burning in Saddle Hills County. While the Alberta Emergency Alert is no longer active, the Evacuation Alert is still in place, as detailed below.

Saddle Hills County has issued an Evacuation Alert due to Wildfire GWF077, burning south of Highway 49, in the Gordondale area. This fire is considered Out of Control at 159 ha, although there is no immediate threat to any structures in the area.

Residents and visitors south of Township Road 790, between Range Road 102 and Range Road 111, should be prepared to evacuate on short notice, if required. Please gather all important documentation, medications and medical equipment, and any necessary items for yourself, family members, and pets for up to 72 hours. 

This Evacuation Alert will remain in place until the fire is considered sufficiently controlled. 

Fire Restriction in Effect

As of July 29, 2024, a FIRE RESTRICTION is in place for Saddle Hills County and the Grande Prairie Forest Protection Area. Fire Permits may be restricted or suspended, as required.

Under a Fire Restriction, safe wood campfires are allowed on public lands, in a designated campground, in backyard firepits, and on private lands.

Have Your Say: Renewable Energy Projects on Agricultural Land

The Government of Alberta is gathering input about renewable energy development on agricultural land.

The pause on renewable energy development was lifted on February 29, 2024. The Government committed to advance policy, legislation, and regulatory changes to support an 'Agriculture First' approach to renewable energy development, before the end of 2024. 

This means Alberta will no longer permit utility scale renewable energy development on the best agricultural lands, unless crop and/or livestock production can coexist alongside the development. Criteria used to establish agricultural land suitability will minimize risk to Alberta’s privately owned native grasslands and ensure agricultural land, including irrigable and productive agricultural land, remains available to safeguard sustainable food production now and in the future. 

This questionnaire is an opportunity to provide input on developing utility scale renewable energy on privately owned agricultural land. Please note, renewable energy development on Crown Land is out of scope for this engagement. 

Your input will be used to determine criteria to identify the suitability of agricultural land for renewable energy development. Before completing the questionnaire, watch the 15 minute webinar recording to learn more.

The survey will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete and closes August 14, 2024, at midnight.  

Complete the Survey Online

Online Survey

Contact Us

Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca

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