Alberta wildfires: What you need to know for the long weekend

With extreme fire risk expected throughout the long weekend, officials are urging Albertans to put safety first.

On Saturday, 91 wildfires were burning throughout the province and 25 of those were classified as out of control by Alberta Wildfire.

Seventeen evacuation orders remained in place, with around 10,600 Albertans unable to go home. The number of structures damaged remained at 275.

So far in 2023, 496 wildfires have burned more than 842,000 hectares. Last year at the same time, 459 hectares had been burned. 

"This year's total is nearly 2,000 times last year’s," said Christie Tucker of Alberta Wildfire. "And with the smoke still in the air in much of the province, it's a reminder of how intense this fire season is."

Smoke from the fires continued to settle in the capital region, and Canada's Air Quality Health Index showed air quality in Edmonton at a 10+ as of 1 p.m.

Above 10 is considered "very high risk," and the agency said people should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, with children and elderly people at a higher risk.

PARK CLOSURES

While the greatest danger remained in northern Alberta, the fire risk ranged from moderate to high in the southern Rocky Mountains, too.  

Because of that, the provincial government asked residents not to participate in outdoor recreation like backcountry camping, mountain biking and hiking in northwest Alberta this weekend. 

A dozen provincial parks and recreation areas in areas with high fire danger have been closed and campers will be refunded. As more closures could be announced, the government is telling the public to double check availability online. 

A fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction is also in effect for all of Alberta's forests. 

"We appreciate the messages of support we've received from Albertans and most of all we appreciated the actions of those who have adapted their plans this weekend to help prevent any further wildfires," Tucker said. 

More than 2,500 people are working on wildfires, including support from the Canadian Armed Forces and United States. More firefighters from the Yukon and U.S. are expected to arrive in the coming days.

ELECTION

Elections Alberta said the Chief Electoral Officer is not currently seeking to discontinue the May 29 provincial election.

Electors who have been displaced are able to vote between May 23 and May 27 at any of the 300 advanced voting locations in Alberta.

Mobile voting services are also being planned for evacuation centres for evacuees. Information on those times and locations will be posted here when finalized.

Any evacuee, firefighter or emergency personnel unable to access voting services should call 1-877-422-8683 or email [e-mail] for alternatives.  

With files from The Canadian Press