Firefighters benefit from specialized equipment like Nodwells. They can be used to carry firefighters and their equipment over challenging terrain on May 26, 2023. (Alberta Wildfire)

By rdnewsNOW staff

WATCH

Provincial officials provide update on Alberta’s wildfire situation, as of 5:00 p.m. May 26

May 26, 2023 | 12:30 PM

Albertans returning home are asked to continually check in with local authorities.

Those evacuated due to wildfires should register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.

Current situation

• Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
• The fire danger is very high in the northern regions of the province, moderate to high in the central and southern regions, and low from the central region to the northern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
• Weather patterns are showing a minimal chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms along the foothills or north-central regions. Special air quality statements remain in effect for northern Alberta.
• There are currently 50 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 14 are classified as out of control, 13 are being held and 23 are under control.
• Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
• Some communities remain affected by poor air quality. Keep up to date on special air quality statements and advisories.
  • Visit 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.
• Evacuation orders: 6
• Alberta Emergency Alerts: 9 (3 orders, 6 advisories)
• Number of evacuees: 5,257
• Alberta currently has more than 2,300 personnel working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada and the United States, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.

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• Effective May 26, fire bans in some areas have changed to restrictions. Visit ca for details.
• The Alberta Supports centres in Leduc, Parkland, Slave Lake, Edson, Rocky Mountain House, Red Deer and Wetaskiwin will end extended hours at 8 p.m. today, returning to regular hours on May 29.
• Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation began Phase 2 of re-entry at 12:30 p.m. today.
• View a full list of closures and restriction details.

Support for evacuees

• Since the announcement of one-time emergency financial assistance for evacuees, more than 16,170 applications have been processed.
• More than $20.1 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees.
• More than $8.1 million in debit cards has been distributed.
• Debit cards are available for evacuees unable to receive an e-transfer at 15 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.