Government Wildfire Update

alberta-wildfire

Courtesy: Government of Alberta

Update 25: Alberta wildfire situation (May 28, 5:30 p.m.)

May 28, 2023 Media inquiries

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, moderate to very high in the central and southern regions, and moderate to very high from the central region to the northern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Weather patterns are showing a chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms in central and northeast regions. No widespread rain is expected. Strong winds are expected, especially across the north. Special air quality statements remain in effect for northern Alberta.
  • There are currently 57 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 17 are classified as out of control, 17 are being held and 23 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: 6 (2 orders, 4 advisories)
  • Number of evacuees: 3,501
  • Alberta currently has more than 2,700 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

  • The Alberta Supports centres in Leduc, Parkland, Slave Lake, Edson, Rocky Mountain House, Red Deer and Wetaskiwin have ended extended hours and have returned to regular hours.
  • Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation has successfully completed Phase 2 of re-entry and has now begun Phase 3.
  • 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 16,400 applications have been processed.
  • More than $20.3 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 Alberta Supports Centre locations.

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.

Note: There will not be a 3 p.m. media availability on Monday, May 29.  Media availabilities will resume on Tuesday. We will continue issuing the daily news release with the situation report (including tomorrow).