AB Wildfire currently has 2,584 boxes of 100 ft hose being used on various wildfires in the Edson Forest Area. That works out to be approximately 80 km! There's also 53 Mark III water pumps out on the lines on May 18, 2023. (Alberta Wildfire)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Provincial Park Closures

Alberta wildfire situation as May 18, 5:30 p.m.

May 19, 2023 | 11:25 AM

Albertans are being asked to restrict recreation on public land as the wildfire risk remains extremely high throughout much of the province.

Provincial officials remind those evacuated due to wildfires they should register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.

Current situation

• Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency. Visit alberta.ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
• A fire ban and an off-highway vehicle restriction are in place across the Forest Protection Area.
• The fire danger is very high to extreme in northern Alberta and high to very high along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. Increasingly hot and dry conditions are expected in the coming days.
• Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
• Some communities remain affected by poor air quality. Ensure you remain up to date on special air quality statements and advisories.
  • Learn more about the potential affects of wildfire smoke on your health.
• Evacuation orders: 17
• Alberta Emergency Alerts: 18 (10 orders, eight alerts)
• Number of evacuees: 10,523
• Alberta has more than 2,500 personnel currently working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada and the United States as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.
• An additional 113 firefighters from the United States and 18 firefighters from the Yukon are expected in the coming days.

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• While fire danger remains extreme throughout most of the province, a voluntary recreation restriction on public lands and a number of provincial park closures are in effect ahead of the long weekend.
• You can view a full list of closures and restriction details.
• The evacuation orders for the town of Valleyview, Big Lakes County and Brazeau County have been lifted.
• 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.

Support for evacuees

• Since the announcement of one-time emergency financial assistance for evacuees, more than 11,800 applications have been processed.
• More than $17 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees.
• More than $4.4 million in debit cards has been distributed.
• Debit cards are available for evacuees unable to receive an e-transfer at 18 Alberta Supports Centre locations with extended hours and at Edmonton and Calgary evacuation centres.

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 to the Canadian Red Cross 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal. This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.
• Individuals and companies with goods or services to offer or donate to support the government’s response to the wildfire can email EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.

For more information on the emergency and supports for evacuees, go to alberta.ca/emergency.