Wildfire update

May 27, 2015

Current facts on the wildfires in Northern Alberta.

Fire update

• In the last 24 hours there have been 33 new wildfires.
• Currently, Alberta has 63 wildfires: 13 are out of control, 14 are being held, 35 are under control and 1 has been turned over to the responsible party.
• Since April 1, 723 fires and 29,660 hectares have burned.
• The wildfire outlook in Alberta remains severe through to the end of this week.
• The Alberta Emergency Management Agency and the Alberta government are closely monitoring the situation.
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has 660 firefighters and 75 helicopters deployed
• Approximately 1,000 firefighters, 106 helicopters, and 2 air tankers are pre-positioned across the province to fight new wildfires.
• 116 firefighters and a 10-person incident management team have been imported from Ontario and Quebec.

Evacuations

• All evacuation orders have now been lifted.
• People who were previously under a mandatory evacuation order are in the process of returning to their homes. The local authorities are coordinating their re-entry.

Air quality

• Air quality in much of the northern regions of the province will continue to be affected by the smoke.
• Alberta Health Services has issued a Precautionary Air Quality Advisory for the entire North zone and Edmonton areas.
• The Cold Lake-specific Air Quality Advisory issued by AHS on May 25 remains in place.
• These advisories alert Albertans to the health concerns and risks associated with smoky air conditions, and advise on important steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.
• These advisories will remain in place until further notice.

Things to know

• A fire ban remains in effect.
• The wildfire outlook in Alberta continues to be severe.
• No campfires or other open fires are permitted in campgrounds or the backcountry.
• We ask that all Albertans listen to the authorities and follow evacuation orders in their communities.
• All Albertans are asked to respect the province-wide fire ban, to listen to emergency officials, and to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app and the Alberta Wildfire app to stay on top of the latest information.
• We encourage Albertans who are out of their homes to contact their insurance companies right away.

Related information

Alberta Emergency Alerts

Alberta Fire Bans

Media inquiries

Jeannie Smith
780-554-5030
Communications, Provincial Operations Centre

NT3