Update 21: Alberta wildfire update

Current situation (as of 3 p.m., Aug. 15)

There are 52 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and three mutual aid fires.

Six are classified as out of control, six are being held and 40 are under control.
There has been one new wildfire since yesterday.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 986 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 678,000 hectares.

More than 1,400 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.

Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.

Alberta has imported firefighters and support staff from Quebec, Australia, Chile and New Zealand.

Alberta has sent one airtanker group consisting of three airtankers and one birddog, along with two air attack officers, to support wildfire operations in New Brunswick.

Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Updates on evacuation orders are available on www.alberta.ca/emergency.
The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake remains in effect.
- Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities’ preferred communication channels for updates.
People living in Alberta are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.

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Fire bans

There are no fire advisories or restrictions in place within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at albertafirebans.ca.
Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
Everyone has a role to play in wildfire prevention. Follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.

Air quality

Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke will affect air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.

Roads and highways

There are no road closures from wildfires.
511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites – they are there with your safety in mind.

Health

For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services.

Child care

Opportunity Childcare in Red Earth Creek has reopened.
Licensed child-care programs are required to notify Child Care Connect if they close unexpectedly.
Parents and guardians should reach out to their child-care provider for information on closures.

Justice and court services

The Red Earth Creek courthouse is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 15. Until then, all matters will be heard in High Prairie. Anyone with questions can call 780-523-6600 or email COJHighprairie@just.gov.ab.ca.
Visit the Alberta Courts website for the most current information regarding court scheduling.

Related information

by Government of Alberta