View from above EWF035. The fire burnt in patches, mostly in spruce stands on May 23, 2023. (Alberta Wildfire)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

WATCH

Provincial officials provide update on Alberta’s wildfire situation, as of 5:00 p.m. May 25

May 25, 2023 | 2:44 PM

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

Provincial officials say 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.
Fire danger is moderate in the north and east of the province, extreme in the upper northeast region and low in the central-west and along the eastern slopes of the Rockies.
Today’s weather patterns bring a slight chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms over western and northwestern parts of the province. Special air quality statements remain in effect for northern Alberta.
There are currently 55 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 16 are classified as out of control, 14 are being held and 25 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: 7
Alberta Emergency Alerts: 9 (3 orders, 6 advisories)
Number of evacuees: 5,379
Alberta currently has more than 2,373 personnel working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada and the United States, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.

Effective May 26 at 10 a.m., fire bans in some areas will change to restrictions. Visit ca for details.
Evacuation orders have been lifted in the Sturgeon Lake area and for East Prairie Metis Settlement and Peavine Metis Settlement.
View a full list of closures and restriction details.

Since the announcement of one-time emergency financial assistance for evacuees, more than 15,900 applications have been processed.
More than $19.8 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees.
More than $7.9 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 with extended hours.

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.

by rdnewsNOW Staff