Village of Boyle residents and Athabasca County residents on Township Road 642 and Range Road 195 have been given the green light to return home this morning, May 8, after they were asked to evacuate their homes when fire threatened their community. However, residents on Highway 831 south or Boyle are still under an evacuation order.
“Fire crews have the majority of the fire line contained and classify the fire as being held. They continue to work within the burnt area actioning hot spots to ensure the fire doesn’t restart or grow. Be aware that fire and emergency crews will be continuing activities in the area. Highway 831 south of Boyle remains closed,” Athabasca County stated.
Fire evacuees were directed to a Lac La Biche County reception centre in Lac La Biche earlier this week at Parkland Motel II. Yesterday, it was reported more than 100 people had made their way to that location.
However, with the go-ahead given to many of its residents to return home, Athabasca County is indicating, “Lodging services in Lac La Biche will cease immediately. Evacuees who choose to remain will need to use their own resources. For those who require transportation, buses will be in Lac La Biche, departing at 1 p.m. to the Village of Boyle from Parkland Motel 11.”
Athabasca County posted a list of about 16 rural addresses south on Highway 831 that remain under an evacuation order and indicated it is working on contacting those homeowners directly to relay next steps.
