EDMONTON — Alberta provincial emergency officials provided an update on the current wildfire situation via a Zoom meeting. Melissa Story from Alberta Wildfire and Stephen Lacroix, Assistant Deputy Minister and Managing Director for Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) detailed the status of the wildfires, response efforts, and support measures for affected communities.
Melissa Story reported that there are currently 150 wildfires burning in Alberta’s forest protection area. Of these, 43 are out of control, 47 are being held, and 60 are under control. Recent rainfall across many parts of the province has significantly helped reduce wildfire behaviour and danger levels. Some areas received over 100 millimetres of rain in the past 72 hours, aiding firefighting operations despite not being sufficient to extinguish the fires entirely.
Story emphasized that the lower fire behaviour has allowed firefighters to focus on building fire guards and addressing hot spots. However, she cautioned that the wildfire danger in southern Alberta remains extreme due to dry conditions. The weather forecast predicts scattered showers with potential lightning in the western boreal region, keeping crews on high alert for new wildfire starts. An expected increase in temperatures next week could elevate the wildfire danger again.
Alberta Wildfire has received considerable support from firefighters across Canada and internationally. Over 250 firefighters from eastern Canada, Quebec, Australia, and South Africa have joined the efforts. Story expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from both domestic and international partners.
The primary focus remains on supporting the town of Jasper and assisting Parks Canada with the wildfire in Jasper National Park. Resources and equipment are ready to be deployed as needed, with a constant communication line with the incident command team in Hinton.
Stephen Lacroix provided insights into the broader provincial response. The Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre remains at Level 4, coordinating the government’s response efforts. Approximately 17,100 evacuees have been displaced due to the wildfires.
Lacroix reiterated the importance of vigilance among Albertans, urging compliance with fire bans and restrictions to minimize the risk of new wildfires. He noted that firefighting efforts continue in Jasper National Park and other affected areas, with a strong focus on protecting critical infrastructure and supporting recovery efforts.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency has deployed field officers and emergency social services officers to the local incident management team in Hinton. These officers serve as a crucial connection between local responders and the provincial emergency coordination centre, ensuring a seamless flow of resources and support.
Evacuees from areas under mandatory evacuation orders, including those from Jasper and Little Red River Cree Nation, are eligible for one-time financial assistance. Adults can receive $1,250, and children under 18 can receive $500. Lacroix encouraged affected residents to register online at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca to access resources and information.
Efforts to repair and restore critical infrastructure in Jasper are underway, with Parks Canada confirming that essential services, including the hospital, emergency services building, schools, activity centre, and wastewater treatment plant, have been successfully protected.
Lacroix highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness for all Albertans. He urged residents to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app for real-time updates and to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit. He also addressed misinformation about the situation in Jasper, announcing a telephone town hall on July 29 for Albertans to receive accurate updates and ask questions.
During the Q&A session, Melissa Story and Stephen Lacroix addressed various queries from the media.
One question focused on the actions taken to reduce the number of wildfires. Melissa Story credited the recent rain and lower fire behaviour for the progress, allowing crews to effectively manage hot spots and fire guards.
Another inquiry sought updates on wildfires affecting the Little Red River Cree Nation and Chipewyan Lake. Story reported low fire behaviour near Little Red River Cree Nation, with significant rainfall aiding control efforts. However, the wildfire near Chipewyan Lake remains out of control but has benefited from substantial rainfall.
In response to questions about the coordination of international firefighting resources, Story explained the collaborative efforts with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and existing international agreements that facilitate quick mobilization of support.
While progress is being made, the province remains in a critical phase of response and recovery. Albertans are encouraged to stay informed, prepared, and compliant with safety measures to mitigate further risks.
For more information and resources, visit alberta.ca/emergency.