Early season fire bans declared in Parkland and Leduc County
Two local counties declared fire bans Wednesday.
Parkland County and Leduc County declared the bans after multiple grass fires broke out over the past few days.
"This is one of the earlier times that we've had to put a fire ban on," Brian Cornforth, Parkland County Fire Chief, said. "We're around 56 per cent of our anticipated snowfall, and that's gone now, so we're seeing really drying conditions."
Persistent drought and above-average spring temperatures are expected to drive another intense wildfire season in the province.
Cornforth said wind and tinder-dry conditions have recently led to grass fires extending into forested areas, and the county wants to do everything it can to minimize risks until things turn green.
On Tuesday, a family on Enoch Cree Nation learned how fast fire can get out of control.
Isabel Hope's granddaughter was burning some yard waste when the fire spread quickly across the dry field and toward several other homes in the area.
"It's so dry out, that's why I told her to just put it in a bag," Hope said. "I thought she'd know better."
Residents were forced to leave while fire crews worked for hours to bring the fire under control. Thankfully, Hope said, no one's homes were damaged and they were allowed to return later that night.
Wednesday afternoon, a large grass fire threatened multiple properties in Strathcona County.
It was brought under control before any homes were damaged, but an old barn and an unused outbuilding were destroyed.
Strathcona County has not called a fire ban, but there is a fire advisory in place.
Anyone who plans on burning – whether they have a permit or not – is asked to call the county's burn line at 780-464-8464 to check if it's safe.
Alberta's legislated wildfire season normally begins March 1, but the government declared an early start to it in February due to warm temperatures and little snow.
At the time, 52 wildfires from the 2023 season were still burning.
As of Wednesday, there are 53 active wildfires in Alberta. Most of those are located in the northern parts of the province. None were out of control.
For more information on fire bans click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Paris Olympics begin with unique opening ceremony along the Seine
The Paris Summer Olympics officially get underway today with a unique opening ceremony. Instead of marching into a stadium, representatives from more than 200 competing countries will enter the Games on boats along the River Seine.
BREAKING Canada Soccer head investigating 'systemic ethical shortcoming' amid spying scandal
The head of Canada Soccer said he is investigating a potential "systemic ethical shortcoming" as the organization deals with a drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics.
'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.
DEVELOPING Trudeau, with Australian and New Zealand PMs, pen letter renewing ceasefire calls for Gaza
Prime ministers of Canada, New Zealand and Australia released a letter renewing calls for an “urgent ceasefire” in Gaza on Friday morning.
Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics
Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that sabotage and arson that hit key parts of France's high speed rail network on the eve of the Olympics had 'a clear objective: blocking the high speed train network.'
Latest updates on wildfires in Jasper National Park: Rain, cooler weather limiting spread
Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.
'He was just gone': Police ramp up search for vulnerable 3-year-old boy in Mississauga, Ont.
Police in Mississauga are conducting a full-scale search of the city’s biggest park for a non-verbal toddler who went missing Thursday evening. Sgt. Jennifer Trimble told reporters Friday morning that there has been no trace of three-year-old Zaid Abdullah since 6:20 p.m., when he was last seen with his parents in Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road.
Sunken treasure: Is the champagne nestled in a 19th-century shipwreck still fit for a toast?
A team of Polish divers has discovered the wreckage of an old sailing ship loaded “to the brim” with luxury goods including porcelain items and about 100 bottles of Champagne and mineral water about 58 meters (190 feet) deep off the Swedish coast.
opinion 'Deadpool and Wolverine' review: A love letter to a bygone era
'Deadpool and Wolverine' is a showcase for the bromance stylings of its stars, who pull out all the stops to cap Fox's Marvel movies.