![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Alberta could break decades-old record for amount of area burned during 2023 wildfire season
Alberta could set a record in 2023 for area burned by wildfires.
So far, Alberta Wildfire estimates 1,400,021 hectares have burned during the 2023 wildfire season, beating the previous record of 1,357,000 hectares burned in 1981.
"These numbers can change when we do reassessment of area burned when we can go back and assess a fire that is under control," said Melissa Story of Alberta Wildfire at Monday afternoon's provincial wildfire update.
"There is often vegetation that isn't burned over, so those numbers will fluctuate."
The current numbers do not account for the rest of the 2023 wildfire season, which runs until Oct. 1.
There have been 632 wildfires this year in Alberta, 129 of which were caused by lightning.
Story said the remaining fires were caused by humans.
While some of the human-caused fires are being investigated as arsons, Story said there are a number of other ways fires can be started.
"It can mean anything from an abandoned campfire, to an industry-related fire, to an inadvertent OHV fire. We’re also seeing an emerging trend with fireworks and exploding targets, so it can mean a plethora of things," she said.
On Monday afternoon, there were 76 active wildfires in Alberta, 23 of which were considered out of control.
NO DECISION MADE ON UPPING EVACUATION PAYMENTS
Mike Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services, was asked on Monday if the government had considered increasing emergency payments made to Albertans forced out of their homes given the length of some evacuations.
"Obviously, we’re constantly assessing and reassessing the situation, so anything is entirely possible," he said.
"This government is committed to doing whatever it takes to help the people of Alberta, and if it means some form of reassessment on a payment, then certainly, we’ll take a look at that."
As of Monday afternoon, there were six evacuation orders in place in Alberta.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.