Rain subdued fire activity, but didn't quench thirst of driest areas: Alberta Wildfire
Government and Alberta Wildfire officials thanked Mother Nature for the recent rain in their weekly update Thursday, but noted it wasn't enough to undo months of drought in the driest parts of the province.
"Recent cooler weather and precipitation has meant wildfire activity has been more subdued this week. We've managed to extinguish a number of wildfires including some of those carryover wildfires that have been burning since last year," Alberta Wildfire spokesperson Christy Tucker said during the news conference in Edmonton.
Additionally, the agency is expecting closer-to-normal weather conditions by the weekend.
There are currently 42 active fires burning in the province, all of which are being held or are under control.
The Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard shows that 14 of those fires started this year, while the other 28 started in 2023, down from the 64 these numbered two weeks ago.
The precipitation that fell in the southern half of the province has Alberta Wildfire considering lifting advisories in the Calgary area and easing restrictions throughout western and central Alberta, Tucker said.
But restrictions will remain in effect in northern Alberta.
"That's where we've seen the greatest drought impact and the least precipitation over the winter, so that's where we could see potentially the bigger impact as soon as we have some changing weather conditions, particularly once we see some winds. It's already warmer in the north of the province than it is in the south of the province," Tucker said.
So far this year, 5,586 hectares have burned.
There have been 10 per cent fewer wildfires this year compared to the same time last year. By May 2, 2023, there were 277 wildfires compared to this year's 249.
However, more hectares have burned this year than had burned by early May 2023, as well as in any of the last five years.
By May 5, 2023, there were 92 active wildfires in Alberta – 31 of which were classified as out of control – and 13,000 people were forced to evacuate. The Alberta government declared a state of provincial emergency the next day.
About 70 per cent of the 249 wildfires that started in 2024 are believed to be human caused. The causes of the others – except one blaze known to be sparked by lightning – are still being investigated.
Tucker and Alberta's forestry and parks minister, Todd Loewen, encouraged Albertans to continue equipping themselves, either by learning about prevention, safeguarding their property or preparing for an emergency evacuation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.