Beaver Emergency Services Commission

06/01/2026

With heavy rains in the area please keep in mind these points and for more information go to https://www.alberta.ca/flood-preparedness

05/30/2026

🚨 Running Your Air Conditioner? Don't Forget About Carbon Monoxide Safety 🚨

As temperatures rise, many people are closing windows and running their air conditioners around the clock. While air conditioners do not produce carbon monoxide (CO), the way we cool our homes can sometimes increase the risk of exposure to this deadly gas.

🏠 Central air conditioners circulate and cool indoor air and do not create carbon monoxide. However, because central AC systems keep homes tightly closed and may operate alongside furnaces, boilers, or other fuel-burning appliances, problems with venting or appliance exhaust can go unnoticed for longer. In some cases, HVAC systems can also distribute carbon monoxide throughout a home if the gas enters the ductwork.

🪟 Portable and window air conditioners also do not produce carbon monoxide, but they can affect airflow and pressure within a home. Improper installation, blocked vents, or nearby fuel-burning equipment can allow exhaust gases to enter living spaces.

⚠️ Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances, vehicles, generators, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and other combustion equipment.

When homes are sealed up to keep cool air inside, carbon monoxide can build up more quickly if there is a problem with a fuel-burning appliance or if exhaust gases are being drawn indoors.

How to Stay Safe
✅ Install carbon monoxide alarms beside your furnace and water heater, on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
✅ Test CO alarms regularly and replace batteries as recommended.
✅ Have furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected and maintained annually.
✅ Ensure all vents, chimneys, fresh-air intakes, and exhaust pipes are clear and unobstructed.
✅ If you have central air conditioning, ensure HVAC filters are changed regularly and have your entire heating and cooling system inspected by a qualified technician.
✅ Never operate generators, BBQs, propane appliances, or gas-powered equipment inside garages, sheds, or windows, doors, or air conditioner intakes.
✅ Never idle vehicles in attached garages—even with the door open
✅ Ensure portable air conditioners are installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and ensure venting is installed correctly.

Know the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
🚨 Headache
🚨 Dizziness
🚨 Nausea
🚨 Weakness or fatigue
🚨 Confusion
🚨 Loss of consciousness

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds:
➡️ Move everyone outdoors immediately.
➡️ Call 911 or your local emergency services.
➡️ Do not re-enter the building until it has been determined safe.

A working carbon monoxide alarm is your first line of defence against a hazard you can't see, smell, or taste.

05/19/2026

Emergencies and evacuations can happen fast. Being prepared is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Emergency Preparedness reminds us that before, during, and after an emergency — we are in it together.

Preparedness also means community. Strong social connections can help reduce the impacts of emergencies and speed recovery when disaster strikes.

Learn how to:

Make an emergency plan
Build an emergency kit
Prepare your home and family
Stay informed during emergencies

Visit alberta.ca/BePrepared to get started today.

05/19/2026

Update May 19, 2026 21:45h: As of now we have the fire out, we worked all day putting out hot spots and ash pits. The area of the fire is dangerous as there are many trees hung up that could fall so please stay out of the area.

We got the call yesterday around 6pm. First on scene units found a large wildland fire. It took many resources to fight this fire, we had Station 1 (Tofield), Station 2 (Ryley), Station 3 (Holden), Station 5 (Viking) and Station 6 (kinsella), we also had support from Schmidt farms with a Dozer, Beaver County with mulchers, conservation officers, Beaver EMS for medical standby and Alberta Wildfire with 3 night vision helicopters. This fire took over 20hrs to fight, over 51000 gals (193 000 L) of water.
We want to thank all these people for their support and very hard work. We also want to thank Bucking Good Eats for working late in the night feeding these hungry firefighters, and to the mystery person who left us cookies in one of our units today (this sure put a smile on their faces).

Our fire crews are working hard to extinguish a fire at the Ministik Game Bird Sanctuary. The fire is currently 95% contained. No structures are threatened at this time. We will have a helicopter assisting us this evening so please don't be alarmed at the helicopter in the area.

Tofield Fire Rescue
Ryley Volunteer Fire Department
Holden Fire and Rescue
Viking Fire and Rescue
Town of Tofield
Town of Viking
Beaver County
Village of Holden
Village of RYLEY

05/12/2026

⚠️ Weather Advisory for Beaver County.

Environment Canada is advising of a major spring storm expected to move through Alberta beginning tomorrow (Wednesday May 13), bringing strong winds and heavy rain or snow, lasting for the next couple days.

Beaver County
Town of Tofield
Town of Viking
Village of Holden
Village of RYLEY

2:18p SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT ISSUED by Environment Canada

DATE: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

(Locations listed below description)

A major spring storm with strong winds and heavy snow is expected over Alberta.

An intense low will develop in Alberta beginning Wednesday morning and will cross into Saskatchewan on Thursday and through the day on Friday. Strong northwesterly winds with gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are possible across portions of East-Central to southeastern portions of the province beginning early Thursday morning.

In addition to the severe winds, potentially significant rain or snow will fall over northern parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The heaviest precipitation is expected to begin on Thursday morning with 20 to 40 mm of precipitation anticipated by Friday night. The highest potential for snowfall will be across northern Alberta and into North-Central Saskatchewan. Snowfall totals could exceed 20 cm in some locations.

Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is likely. Prepare for some disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities. Driving conditions will likely be very difficult. High-sided vehicles could be overturned by the wind. Secure loose objects. If outside, protect yourself from flying or falling debris.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

End/paspc

NEW:

- Beaver Co. near Holden and Ryley
- Beaver Co. near Tofield
- Beaver Co. near Viking and Kinsella
- Camrose Co. near Bawlf and Rosalind
- Camrose Co. near Camrose and Bittern Lake
- Camrose Co. near Hay Lakes and Miquelon Lake Prov. Park
- Camrose Co. near New Norway Edberg and Ferintosh
- City of Lloydminster
- City of Lloydminster Alb.
- Co. of Minburn near Innisfree Lavoy and Ranfurly
- Co. of Minburn near Minburn and Mannville
- Co. of Two Hills near Myrnam and Derwent
- Co. of Two Hills near Two Hills and Brosseau
- Co. of Vermilion River near Dewberry and Clandonald
- Co. of Vermilion River near Islay and McNabb Sanctuary
- Co. of Vermilion River near Kitscoty and Marwayne
- Co. of Vermilion River near Paradise Valley
- Co. of Vermilion River near Tulliby Lake
- Co. of Vermilion River near Vermilion
- Co. of Wetaskiwin near Wetaskiwin Millet and Hwy 2
- Flagstaff Co. near Alliance and Bellshill Lake
- Flagstaff Co. near Daysland Heisler and Strome
- Flagstaff Co. near Killam and Sedgewick
- Flagstaff Co. near Lougheed and Hardisty
- Leduc Co. near Leduc Beaumont and Kavanagh
- Leduc Co. near New Sarepta and Rolly View
- M.D. of Provost near Czar Metiskow and Cadogan
- M.D. of Provost near Hughenden Amisk and Kessler
- M.D. of Provost near Provost and Hayter
- M.D. of Wainwright near Chauvin Dillberry Lake and Roros
- M.D. of Wainwright near Edgerton and Koroluk Landslide
- M.D. of Wainwright near Irma
- M.D. of Wainwright near Wainwright
- Strathcona Co. near Ardrossan and Cooking Lake

05/07/2026

🚨 With yesterdays test of the Alberta Emergency Alert system, would you know what to do in an emergency?
Now is the time to have the conversation with family about what would happen in a real event. Take time to create a simple and clear plan for your household.
How would you access information? Do you have necessary supplies?
📱Actionable Steps Upon Receiving Alerts:
-Read Immediately: Do not ignore notifications.
-Follow Directions: Alerts often contain specific instructions regarding evacuations or shelter-in-place orders.
-Monitor Official Sources: Use the Alberta Emergency Alert app or 511on.ca for updates.
-Check Local Channels: Use community websites or social media for updates.
Build a Proactive Strategy:
-Establish a Plan: Create a household emergency plan, including meeting spots, and share it with family members.
-Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep a 72-hour kit ready, containing water, food, and medication, to be prepared for sudden evacuations.
-Stay Informed of Local Hazards: Identify the risks in your area (e.g., floods, wildfires) to better interpret alerts.
A small amount of preparedness today can go a long way in the event an incident occurs
Get started by using Public Safety Canada’s emergency plan template that can be printed and stored with your emergency supplies.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/make-plan/emergency-plan-form.html

During an emergency, these escape routes will help you get out of your home quickly and join your family or roommates at your designated meeting place. If you are asked to evacuate your neighbourhood, use the route you've identified below or follow the directions of emergency officials. We recommend...

05/06/2026

911 Public Notice: If you have already called into 911 or know that someone has called 911, and you have an update to the situation or have resolved the issue yourself, call 911 back to advise them of the updates.

DO NOT CALL THE BESC OFFICE FOR EMERGENCIES.

911 has direct communication with our fire members and can advise the fire department of the situation in real time while on the phone with the caller.

Thank you for your understanding.

Viking Fire and Rescue
Tofield Fire Rescue
Holden Fire and Rescue
Ryley Volunteer Fire Department
Town of Tofield
Town of Viking
Village of RYLEY
Village of Holden
Beaver County

05/06/2026

🚨When tests occur, use them to check if your phone works, assess where you are, and discuss with family what actions you would take in a real emergency.

The Alberta Emergency Alert system is tested twice a year during Spring and Fall. This is not just a test of the emergency alerting system, it is an opportun...

05/05/2026

If you don't already have the app installed, we recommended everyone to download the AEA Alberta Emergency Alert app to ensure you get the critical notices about severe weather, evacuations, and any other emergency messaging in your area.

Important: Ensure you keep your location on and give the app access to your location so the alerts follow you to wherever you may be in Alberta.

The Government of Alberta will issue a test of the Alberta Emergency Alert system tomorrow, May 6, at 1:55 p.m. Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app and check your phone’s compatibility to make sure you are receiving alerts.

Learn more: http://alertready.ca

05/04/2026

Fire Restriction in effect May 4, 2026 for Beaver County including Bruce and Kinsella, Towns of Tofield and Viking, Villages of Ryley and Holden.

Large and small brush piles are now prohibited.

Campfires in approved fire pits with grates are still permitted.

Beaver County
Town of Tofield
Town of Viking
Village of Holden
Village of RYLEY