Provincial officials provided critical updates on the current wildfire situation across the province. All evacuation orders and area closures, except for Jasper, have been lifted.
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, emphasized that the Alberta Emergency Management Agency is collaborating closely with the municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to support re-entry planning. The current focus is on resuming critical services to ensure that everything is in place for the broader population’s return. Ellis noted that emergency services such as EMS, fire, police, and 911 dispatch have already been restored in Jasper, with work continuing to restore electricity, water, gas, telecommunications, and healthcare services. The municipality has also been actively removing downed trees and other debris to make the townsite safe for residents’ return.
He highlighted that a re-entry progress tracker is available on the municipality’s website, offering a comprehensive overview of the work being done before residents can return.
In a positive development, Highway 16 has reopened to all traffic between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., though restrictions remain in place. Drivers are advised that there will be no stopping or exiting off the highway, and they should ensure they have a full tank of gas before entering the park, as no refueling options are available.
An evacuation alert remains in effect for parts of Saddle Hills County due to a wildfire burning south of Highway 49 in the Gordondale area. While there is currently no immediate threat to structures, residents and visitors in the area are advised to be prepared to evacuate if the situation changes.
East of High Level and Fort Vermilion, the Little Red River Cree Nation has begun welcoming residents back after an evacuation order was lifted on August 5th.
Despite the positive developments, the threat of wildfires continues to loom large across the province. Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, provided an update on the wildfire situation, noting that Alberta Wildfire crews had successfully established perimeters around two out-of-control wildfires in the Kiska Complex near Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg. The fires are now classified as being held, allowing the province to reopen several provincial parks and recreation areas that had been closed due to wildfire activity.
Loewen stressed that while these developments are encouraging, the wildfire danger remains high to very high in Northern Alberta, where several large wildfires are still burning. He urged Albertans to make the most of the summer responsibly by staying informed of fire bans, restrictions, and advisories and by checking for nearby wildfires before embarking on outdoor activities. The Alberta Fire Bans and Alberta Wildfire apps offer real-time tracking of fire conditions, enabling residents and visitors to make safe and informed decisions.
Loewen also reminded Albertans that even cooler temperatures and precipitation in some areas do not eliminate the risk of wildfires. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and taking precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires, which divert resources from more pressing fires elsewhere in the province.
The somber reality of the wildfire crisis was underscored by the tragic loss of a Wildland firefighter, Morgan Kitchen. In honor of Kitchen’s sacrifice, flags will be flown at half-mast at all Forestry and Parks facilities. Loewen expressed deep sorrow for the loss, acknowledging the inherent dangers faced by firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect Alberta’s communities.
As of the latest report, 111 wildfires are burning within Alberta’s forest protection area, with 13 classified as out of control, 35 being held, and 63 under control. Since the beginning of August, there have been 35 new wildfire starts, two-thirds of which have already been extinguished.
Joe Zatylny, Deputy Managing Director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, reminded Albertans that while positive developments are occurring, new evacuation alerts can arise without warning, and it is crucial to stay informed and prepared for any eventuality.
As Alberta continues to grapple with the challenges of an active wildfire season, the dedication and resilience of its residents, firefighters, and first responders remain a beacon of hope.