Alberta wildfires on Tuesday: Smoke reaches Edmonton, creates cooler conditions and less active wildfires
Wildfire smoke sank Edmonton's air quality rating on Tuesday.
The city's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) rating rose throughout the early morning, peaking at a level eight, or high risk, by 8 a.m. As of 2 p.m., the rating was a four, or moderate risk.
"Many Albertans woke up this morning to smoke in the air, which is a constant reminder of the intensity of this wildfire season," said Christie Tucker, Alberta Wildfire's information unit manager.
Eighty-six wildfires continued to burn across northern and central Alberta Tuesday afternoon. Twenty-four of the wildfires were classified as out of control by Alberta Wildfire.
"Smoke has actually offered some help to create cooler conditions in some areas, and so far today our wildfires have been slightly less active than anticipated."
There are currently 21 evacuation orders in Alberta, including new ones overnight and Tuesday afternoon:
- A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the town of Swan Hills at 1:16 p.m.. A reception centre has been set up at the Barrhead Arena at 5607 47 Street in Barrhead. All evacuees are encouraged to register at the reception centre or by calling 780-333-4119. More information on the alert is available here.
- At 5:30 a.m., Peavine Métis Settlement was evacuated. Evacuees were told to take important documents, medication, and supplies and go to the Kapawe’no Centre (780-523-8214) in Grouard or to the Smoky River FCSS in Falher. More details about the evacuation are available here. The fire threatening the settlement is about 64,000 hectares in size.
- On the other side of the Peace River, residents in the area of Dunvegan West Wildland Provincial Park were told to prepare for evacuation. A 29,000-hectare fire is moving south along the west bank of the river. More details about the evacuation alert are available here.
Drayton Valley and some Brazeau County residents were allowed to return home Tuesday afternoon after the community was evacuated due to a wildfire on May 4.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.