Sikorski CH-54B Air Cranes from Albany, Oregon arrived to the Edson Forest Area from the USA on May 28. They will be in service on May 29, 2023. (Alberta Wildfire)

By rdnewsNOW staff

WATCH

Provincial officials provide update on Alberta’s wildfire situation, as of 5:00 p.m. May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023 | 2:34 PM

Officials with the provincial government say Albertans who are evacuated or returning home should regularly check in with local authorities for the latest information.

Current situation

• Weather patterns show scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening across the southern boreal and northern slopes.
• The fire danger continues to be very high or extreme in the northern regions of the province.
• There are currently 61 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 16 are classified as out of control, 21 are being held and 24 are under control.
• Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
• Fire bans in some areas changed to restrictions on May 26. Visit ca for details.
• 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.
• Alberta continues to be under a provincial state of emergency. Visit ca/emergency for information or call 310-4455, now available 24-7.
• Number of evacuation orders: 6
• Alberta Emergency Alerts: 3
• Number of evacuees: 4,401
• Alberta currently has approximately 2,600 personnel working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.

New information

• An evacuation order is in effect for the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, Mikisew First Nation (Allison Bay, Dog Head and Devils Gate), Fort Chipewyan Metis Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.
• View a full list of closures and restriction details.

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Support for evacuees

• Those evacuated due to wildfires should register at local reception centres or at alberta.ca.
• Since the announcement of one-time emergency financial assistance for evacuees, more than 16,700 applications have been processed.
• More than $20.7 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees.
• More than $8.5 million in debit cards has been distributed.
• Debit cards are available for evacuees unable to receive an e-transfer at nine Alberta Supports Centre locations with extended hours.

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.