Wildfires raging through northern Alberta have forced the evacuation of three communities, according to a provincial body on Saturday. The oil-rich province is currently battling five significant wildfires in different areas. These “wildfires of note” pose substantial threats to public safety, communities, and critical infrastructure.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the communities of John D’Or, Fox Lake, and Garden River, covering nearly 62,000 hectares and affecting around 5,000 residents. Despite the severity of the fires, no threat to oil sands production has been reported.
Alberta is dealing with 158 wildfire events, with 55 classified as out of control. An out-of-control wildfire is expected to continue growing without an established perimeter, though not all such fires necessitate evacuations.
“Fire activity is expected to remain intense throughout the weekend as the hot and dry weather continues,” stated Alberta’s wildfire service. Over 200 firefighters and support staff, 10 helicopters, and 43 pieces of heavy equipment are currently working to contain the fires, which were caused by lightning.
British Columbia’s Escalating Wildfire Situation
Meanwhile, in neighboring British Columbia, evacuation orders were issued on Saturday due to an uncontrolled wildfire between two lakes, according to the BC Wildfire Service. British Columbia is facing up to 319 active wildfires, with 58 new incidents reported in the past 24 hours.
The southern region is particularly affected, with three “wildfires of note” at Shetland Creek, Aylwin Creek, and Komonko Creek, all of which are on evacuation alert. The provincial government has warned that fire activity is increasing due to thunderstorms across the interior and central parts of the province.
Close to a thousand BC Wildfire Service firefighters are currently on the ground battling the blazes.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook
As both provinces grapple with intense wildfire activity, firefighting efforts continue to be ramped up. The combination of hot, dry weather and lightning has created challenging conditions for containment. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuations as the situation develops.
