Alberta wildfire situation

The Voice of Canada News:

Albertans returning home are asked to continually check in with local authorities.

Current situation

• The fire danger is very high or extreme in the northern regions of the province.
• A red flag watch has been issued for the northern boreal forest (High Level, Fort Vermilion, Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray zones). A red flag watch occurs when weather and fuel conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion and rapid spread. 
• Weather patterns are showing another cold front moving across the boreal forest and it’s expected to lie across central Alberta by evening. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected.
• There are currently 60 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 18 are classified as out of control, 17 are being held and 25 are under control.
• Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
• Fire bans in some areas changed to restrictions on May 26. Visit albertafirebans.ca for details.
• Some communities remain affected by poor air quality. Keep up to date on special air quality statements and advisories.
  • Visit airquality.alberta.ca to find out the level of health risk associated with your local air quality.  
  • Learn more about the potential effects of wildfire smoke on your health. 
• Alberta continues to be under a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
• Number of evacuation orders: 5
• Alberta Emergency Alerts: 4 (2 orders, 2 advisories)
• Number of evacuees: 3,501
• Alberta currently has more than 2,800 personnel working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.             

New information

• On May 28, several new wildfires emerged in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. No evacuation orders or alerts are in place at this time. The province is monitoring this wildfire closely.
• The Town of Valleyview has cancelled its evacuation alert effective May 29.
• The Town of Swan Hills has cancelled its evacuation alert effective May 29.
• View a full list of closures and restriction details.

Support for evacuees

• Those evacuated due to wildfires should register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.
• Since the announcement of one-time emergency financial assistance for evacuees, more than 16,500 applications have been processed.
• More than $20.4 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees.
• More than $8.3 million in debit cards has been distributed.
• Debit cards are available for evacuees unable to receive an e-transfer at eight Alberta Supports Centre locations with extended hours.

Donations

• Albertans who wish to help can make cash donations through the Canadian Red Cross or within their regions to a recognized charitable organization of their choice.
• The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will each match every dollar donated, so every $1 will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.
• The Canadian Red Cross is launching an Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations program to deliver urgent and ongoing support for people affected by wildfires across Alberta.
• Eligible community organizations providing immediate relief assistance may apply for $5,000 in one-time funding. View full program eligibility criteria.

For more information on the emergency and supports for evacuees, go to alberta.ca/emergency.