Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Following a week of extreme wildfire behavior that included multiple fires and evacuations, Alberta is now seeing slightly improved conditions. Cooler conditions and high humidity are aiding firefighters. Alberta resources are bolstered by the addition of imported firefighters from across Canada and the northwestern United States.
Current situation (as of 3pm, June 3)
- There are 56 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area.
- 27 are classified as out of control, 5 are being held and 24 are under control.
- Since January 1, there have been 503 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 492,000 hectares.
- More than 1,000 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.
- Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, airtankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.
- Alberta has imported firefighters and aircraft from British Columbia, Yukon, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Washington State, Oregon and Idaho.
- Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Orders and alerts
- Updates on evacuation orders are available on https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.
- Yellowhead County lifted evacuation orders for the Robb, Mercoal and Peers areas today at noon. Residents must remain prepared to evacuate again if the situation changes.
- Re-entry information is available for residents on the county’s website.
- On June 2, Westlock County allowed residents of the Hubert Lake Wildfire Provincial Park area on the east side of the Pembina River to return home. The evacuation order for the west side of the Pembina River remains in effect.
- Reception centre at Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre, 9603 100 Street, Westlock.
- On May 29, the Dene Tha’ First Nation issued an evacuation order for the community of Chateh, which remains in effect.
- Registration centre at the Bushe River Administrative Office in High Level.
- On May 29, the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council issued evacuation orders for Loon Lake 235, Peerless Lake and Trout Lake, which remains in effect.
- Registration centre at 10451 170 Street, Edmonton.
- On May 29, the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 issued an evacuation order for Red Earth Creek, which remains in effect.
- Reception centre at the Baytex Energy Centre, 9810 73 Avenue, Peace River.
- On May 28, the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 issued an evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake, which remains in effect.
- Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
- On May 26, the Town of Swan Hills issued an evacuation order for the town, which remains in effect.
- Reception centre at the Allan and Jean Miller Centre, 58 Sunset Boulevard, Whitecourt.
- Evacuation alerts are currently in effect for:
- Conklin area – Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
- Hamlet of Marten Beach – Municipal District of Slave River
- Hamlet of Peers and area – Yellowhead County
- Hawk Hills area – County of Northern Lights
- North of Township Road 720 to Township Road 732, and east of the provincial border with British Columbia to Range Road 130 – County of Grande Prairie No. 1
- Robb and Mercoal – Yellowhead County
- Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities’ preferred communication channels for updates.
- Albertans are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.
Eligibility for Emergency Evacuation Payments
- Alberta’s government provides a one-time emergency evacuation payment to residents who had to leave their communities for seven or more days due to mandatory evacuation orders.
- Eligible adults receive $1,250 and $500 for each dependent child under the age of 18.
- Evacuees are encouraged to apply for these emergency payments online at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca, by calling the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or by visiting an Alberta Supports office for assistance. Locations can be found at alberta.ca/alberta-supports.
- Those in need of immediate emergency financial assistance can contact the Income Support Emergency Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135. The contact centre operates 24/7.
- The Whitecourt, Barrhead and Edmonton Northgate Alberta Supports Centres are offering extended hours (8:15 a.m.-7 p.m.) from June 2-4, for in-person applications.
- The Slave Lake Alberta Supports Centre is offering extended hours (8:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.) from June 4-6, for in-person applications.
Air quality
- Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.
Fire bans
- A fire ban is in effect for the High Level, Fort McMurray, Peace River, Grande Prairie, Slave Lake, Lac La Biche, Whitecourt and Edson Forest Areas.
- Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended.
- Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at alberta.ca/fire-bans.
- Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
- All Albertans have a role to play in wildfire prevention. Albertans must follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
- Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.
Roads and highways
- Highway 686 between Red Earth Creek and Trout Lake is currently closed due to a wildfire.
- 511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
- Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites – they are there with your safety in mind.
Health
- The Swan Hills Healthcare Centre is temporarily closed due to wildfire in the area. EMS resources remain in the area to provide support.
- For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services
Emergency Preparedness
- Get ready for emergencies and disasters by taking simple steps now. To be prepared, Albertans need to know what to do, where to go and have enough supplies for a week or more. Supplies include food, water, medications and important documents. Include supplies for pets as well.
- Read more about emergency preparedness.
Related information
- Active emergency updates
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts app
- Download the Alberta Wildfire app
- Wildfire smoke information