Alberta Communities Minister Jason Nixon, alongside Joe Zatylny, Deputy Managing Director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, and Christie Tucker, Information Unit Manager with Alberta Wildfire, outlined the current state of wildfires across the province and ongoing response efforts.
As of today, there are 118 active wildfires in Alberta, with 19 classified as out of control, 48 being held, and 50 under control. The wildfire danger remains high to extreme, particularly in the southern regions of the province.
“We’re seeing crossover conditions where temperatures exceed the relative humidity, making it hot and dry,” Christie Tucker explained. “These conditions facilitate rapid wildfire ignition and spread, and existing fires may exhibit more extreme behavior, especially with wind.”
To combat the challenging conditions, Alberta Wildfire has pre-positioned firefighters, equipment, and aircraft in areas experiencing higher wildfire danger. Tucker reported increased activity in the Rocky Mountain House Forest area, specifically within the Kiska Complex south of Nordegg and north of Ram Falls Provincial Park. Smoke from these out-of-control wildfires led to the closure of Forestry Trunk Road and potential impacts on provincial parks over the weekend.
Tucker emphasized the importance of staying informed about road access through 511 and park updates via Alberta Parks’ official website. She also noted that while many recent fires have been caused by lightning, human activities over long weekends often lead to new wildfires. She urged residents to check for fire bans or restrictions before camping and to ensure campfires are completely extinguished.
Showers are forecasted for Sunday and Monday, but until then, the risk of starting new wildfires remains high. Tucker appealed to the public to avoid actions that could start new fires and to help ensure firefighters can focus on the current situation.
“Help ensure our firefighters can focus on the current wildfire situation in the province. Do not be responsible for starting a wildfire this weekend,” Tucker implored.
Joe Zatylny provided an update on the provincial emergency coordination efforts. Although there have been no recent emergency alerts, several large wildfires continue to pose significant threats. The Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre remains at operational level four to coordinate the government’s response.
Zatylny announced that residents of Chipewyan Lake in the Municipal District of Opportunity and all three communities of the Little Red River Cree Nation would be allowed to return home by August 5th. He acknowledged the hardships faced by evacuees and the ongoing efforts to restock essential supplies and ensure a smooth return.
“Returning home does not mean the wildfire season is over or that the threat is completely gone,” Zatylny cautioned. “Evacuation alerts and orders can happen at any time, and being prepared to leave on short notice is critical.”
Regarding infrastructure, Zatylny confirmed that Highway 16 through Jasper National Park would reopen to commercial and select personal vehicle traffic at designated times, contingent on fire behavior and operational needs. This reopening includes strict regulations, such as commercial motorists needing reliable vehicles with full fuel tanks and no stopping allowed within the park.
“Plans are in development to reunite Jasperites currently in Valemount with their families and friends in Alberta,” Zatylny added, noting the ongoing collaborative efforts between local and provincial authorities.
Minister Nixon joined the call to provide additional remarks, focusing on the support provided to first responders and evacuees. He highlighted the extensive coordination efforts to ensure firefighters have necessary resources, including food, lodging, and transportation.
“Over 100 organizations, agencies, and government departments have supported or contributed to the wildfire response in Jasper,” Nixon stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to backing the incident management team.
Recognizing the emotional toll of the wildfire season, Nixon stressed the availability of mental health supports through 211 Alberta, a 24/7 crisis line offering referrals to appropriate services. Evacuees can access immediate support and are encouraged to donate to charities aiding wildfire response, such as the Canadian Red Cross, which is distributing one-time payments to affected households.
“The weather continues to be hot and dry for many parts of Alberta, and it’s important we all do our part to minimize the risk of new fire starts,” Nixon concluded, urging residents to adhere to fire bans and stay prepared for potential evacuations.
The conference concluded with a call for continued vigilance and cooperation from the public. Residents were reminded to stay connected with local authorities for up-to-date information and to follow all safety protocols to mitigate wildfire risks.