Edgerton Emergency Services Department

10/24/2026

We want to begin by extending our condolences to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the nation mourns four service members, you mourn the loss of four brothers. Our hearts go out to those we lost, to those facing a long recovery, and to those facing the unknown. Edgerton Emergency Services will always stand with you.

Secondly, we would like to thank the community. The support and kind words have been nothing short of heartwarming. No expression of thanks could match what we have received from our community, our neighbouring departments, and the various response agencies, both within and outside the MD of Wainwright; there are too many to mention. It is, and always will be, an honour to work alongside you.

To the spouses, partners, and families of our members and of every responder who answered the call: behind each of us is someone who waits at home, carries the worry, and holds everything together when the tones go off. Your patience and strength make this work possible, and we are deeply grateful. You are not alone, and we will always look out for you the way you look out for us.

Finally, thank you to East Central 911 and to all the public safety answering points across the country. These people are the true first responders, answering the calls for help and ensuring it gets there in your most difficult times.

If you wish to help in your own way, support one another, give to reputable causes like Legacy Place Society, and check in on those around you who may be struggling. Sometimes a simple conversation means the most.

To the families, friends, and fellow members of the Canadian Armed Forces: you are in our thoughts. Thank you for your service, and thank you for your sacrifice. Please take care of each other.

Edgerton Emergency Services

10/19/2026

Statement from Aime Smyl, Director of Protective Services – Fire Chief, Town of Wainwright – October 19, 2026

Currently, the fire is contained in the M.D. of Wainwright boundary and is not expected to pass the fire guard. Lingering smoke may continue in the days ahead.

I am extremely proud of our Wainwright Fire & Rescue team (Town and M.D. of Wainwright Fire Department) for the professionalism, courage, and dedication they displayed during this very difficult incident. Their commitment to serving and protecting our community was evident every step of the way.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the following agencies for their prompt response, support, and cooperation during this incident.

• National Defence Fire Services Wainwright
• Village of Irma Fire Department
• Village of Chauvin Fire Department
• Village of Edgerton Fire Department
• Town of Vermilion Fire Department
• Lloydminster Fire Rescue
• Alberta Wildfire
• East Central 9-1-1
• RCMP
• Healthcare providers and professionals

I am also humbled by the number of departments that reached out to help.
I send thoughts and prayers to those directly impacted, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this incident.
At this time, our priority is maintaining our ability to provide emergency response services to the Town and M.D. As such, I will not be available for interviews, as my full attention is on supporting the community.

10/18/2026

INCIDENT UPDATE #002

The Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) has been established. Official incident updates will be issued through this channel only.

The fire south of Wainwright crossed the base fence earlier today and is being actively managed. The active fire area is south of Township Road 44-0. Firefighting resources from multiple jurisdictions are actively responding.

There is no evacuation order at this time. Emergency crews remain focused on protecting life safety, homes, and other structures.
Please:
• Avoid the incident area and do not stop to watch or take photos.
• Keep roads clear so emergency personnel and equipment can move safely.
• Avoid visiting the Wainwright Health Centre unless you have a critical medical need.

An incident information line is now open at 780-842-4454 for residents directly affected by this incident. This line is not for media inquiries. If you are in immediate danger, have an injury, face an active fire threat, or have another emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Further verified information will be shared here as it becomes available.

10/09/2026

On a flight? Keep it in sight.

Lithium-ion batteries are allowed on planes, but how you pack and handle them matters. If one overheats in the cabin, the crew can respond quickly only if they know about it and can reach it.

Before you fly:
• Pack spare batteries and power banks in your carry-on, never in checked bags
• Protect battery terminals from touching metal by using the original case, tape over exposed contacts, or a separate pouch for each battery
• Don't travel with damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries
• Check your airline's rules on power bank limits and in-flight use, since they vary

During the flight:
• Keep power banks and spare batteries where you can see and reach them, not buried in an overhead bin
• If a device slips into a seat, don't force the seat to move or crush it. Tell a flight attendant
• If a battery or device gets hot, smokes, or swells, alert the crew right away

Keep it close, keep it protected, and keep it in sight.

10/08/2026

Feels hot? Stop using it.

A battery that's overheating is warning you before something goes wrong. Don't ignore it.

Stop using the device if you notice:
• Unusual heat while charging or in use
• Swelling or a bulging case
• A strange odor
• Hissing, popping, or crackling sounds
• Leaking or discoloration

What to do:
• Stop using and unplug the device, if it's safe to do so
• Move it away from anything that can burn, ideally outside on a hard surface
• Don't charge it again or toss it in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling or household hazardous waste site
• If it starts smoking or burning, get out and call 911

Trust your senses. If something feels off, shut it down.

10/07/2026

Tools and rides? Charge outside.

E-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, and cordless power tools run on large lithium-ion batteries. If one fails, the fire can be fast and intense, so where you charge matters.

See what overcharging can do. The Fire Safety Research Institute intentionally overcharged an e-scooter in a closed bedroom to show how quickly a battery failure can become dangerous indoors. Watch the video: https://vimeo.com/768558655

• Charge outside or in a detached garage or shed when possible
• Keep batteries away from exits, doorways, and anything that can burn
• Never charge in hallways, stairways, or near your escape route
• Use only the charger made for your model, and unplug when fully charged
• Don't charge while you sleep or when no one is home

Big batteries, big risk. Give them space.

Check out the project page to learn more here: https://fsri.org/research/examining-fire-safety-hazards-lithium-ion-battery-powered-e-mobility-devices-homes This experiment took place 11/4/2022

10/06/2026

Soft surface? Hard pass.

Charging a phone, laptop, or tablet on a bed, couch, or under a pillow traps heat. If a battery overheats, soft materials can ignite fast.

• Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table or countertop
• Keep devices away from bedding, blankets, and upholstery
• Don't leave devices charging under pillows or while you sleep

Hard surface = safer charge.

10/05/2026

Charge into Fire Safety this Fire Prevention Week!

Lithium-ion batteries power our phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, tablets, and toys. They're everywhere, and when they're damaged, defective, or charged incorrectly, they can overheat and start a fast, intense fire.

Here's how to charge up safely:
• Buy products tested by a recognized lab (look for a UL, ETL, or CSA mark)
• Use the charger and cord that came with your device
• Charge on a hard, flat surface and never on a bed, couch, or under a pillow
• Unplug when fully charged and don't leave devices charging overnight

All week, we'll share simple tips to keep your home and family safe. Follow along and share with someone who charges a lot of gadgets!

09/22/2026

Fire Safety Reminder: Extinguish Before You Leave!

Enjoying a fire pit or burn barrel this season? Please make sure it's COMPLETELY out before you walk away — even a small ember left behind can spark a wildfire.

Remember the 3 steps: Drown. Stir. Feel.
💧 Drown the fire with water (not just the flames — the whole pit/barrel)
🥄 Stir the ashes and embers to expose any hidden hot spots
✋ Feel for heat with the back of your hand before leaving — if it's warm, it's not out

Never leave a fire pit or burn barrel unattended, even "just for a minute." Wind can pick up embers fast, and it only takes one spark to start a wildfire that puts homes, land, and lives at risk.

Let's all do our part to keep our community safe.

07/21/2026

Thank you to the Encompass Community Foundation for their generous $10,000 donation to Edgerton Emergency Services,
and to encompass community foundation board member Laurie Trigg for presenting.

This incredible contribution will go toward the purchase of specialized heavy rescue equipment, helping us better respond to major incidents involving industrial, agricultural, and other heavy equipment throughout our region.
The support of organizations like Encompass Community Foundation plays an important role in helping us enhance our response capabilities and continue working to keep our community and surrounding areas safe.

We are incredibly grateful for this generous investment in Edgerton Emergency Services and the safety of our community!

We are thrilled to announce a $10,000 donation to Edgerton Emergency Services!These vital funds are dedicated to purchasing specialized heavy rescue equipment. This new gear will allow the department to respond effectively to major incidents involving industrial, farm, and other heavy equipment within our region.

We are incredibly proud to support Edgerton Emergency Services so they can acquire the tools needed to further enhance their response capabilities and keep our neighbors safe.

Cheque presented by Encompass Community Foundation Board Member, Laurie Trigg.