On July 10, 2012, the Tache community in northern Alberta was evacuated due to wildfire smoke from the Lutose complex fire. Decision-making around evacuation was hammered by a lack of air quality data for the community and the challenges of accurately forecasting smoke. While host sites for evacuees (High Level and Bushe River) were relatively close by and provided a familiar environment, they also experienced poor air quality. The combination of smoke in host communities together with high temperatures and a lack of air conditioning in evacuees accommodations made The experience is uncomfortable, especially for those with respiratory disease. After describing on their experience, emergency management leadership and planning were strengthened, and evacuation needs of those at highest risk were prioritized, including the need for access to air conditioning and air purifiers.