Swan Hills' potential Thursday re-entry date dependent on promising wildfire outlook
The Town of Swan Hills, which was evacuated May 26 because of a wildfire, is working on a re-entry plan, officials announced Wednesday.
Residents may be allowed to return home as soon as Thursday, however, the timeline is dependent on an update about wildfire conditions from the province Wednesday evening.
'There are many factors to take into consideration as we work towards this goal. Fire behavior is very dynamic and can change very quickly. We are basing our decision for this potential date and time on being able to meet benchmarks to ensure a safe return to the public,' the town said in an update on its website.
Officials called wildfire projections 'pivotal' to the decision.
Swan Hills, a community of about 1,300, is located about 220 kilometres northwest of Edmonton in the Swan Lake Forest Area.
According to the most recent information from Alberta Wildfire, the Edith Lake wildfire roughly eight kilometres north of Swan Hills continues to burn out of control and is 168 square kilometres big.
The blaze did not grow over Tuesday night.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
41 minutes ago
- CTV News
Wildfire smoke causing poor air quality in Greater Montreal
The skyline of Montreal is obscured by a haze of smog, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Graham Hughes, The Canadian Press) Smoke from the wildfires in the Canadian Prairies is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the Greater Montreal region. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special air quality statement that may remain in effect until Saturday. READ MORE: Data capturing hot spots and burned acres show Canada wildfire season off to wild start 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors,' the agency notes. 'Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.' People most likely to suffer complications from air pollution include anyone aged 65 and older, pregnant women, infants and young children, people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions and individuals who work outdoors. Common symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. Severe but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains and severe cough. If you think you are having an emergency, seek immediate medical help. ECCC advises keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible. 'When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool,' it adds. 'Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good-quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.' Anyone who must go outside is encouraged to wear a mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) to reduce exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Hazy sun with mix of clouds
With smoke lingering in the air, the special air quality statement stays in effect for most of southern Ontario. With smoke lingering in the air, the special air quality statement stays in effect for most of southern Ontario. Friday's weather is a mix of sun and cloud with hazy conditions. 'Temperatures are set to climb into the mid 20s, we'll even see that humidity creeping back in,' said CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison. The weekend will have a mix of sun and cloud with daytime highs of 24 to 25. Here's a look at the rest of the forecast Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Local smoke. High 26. Humidex 29. UV index 9 or very high. Friday night: Partly cloudy. Hazy. Low 12. Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 24. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 23. Monday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High 22. Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 23.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Parts of GTA under special air quality statement Friday amid wildfire smoke
Parts of the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities are under a special air quality statement Friday morning as wildfires scorch Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, Environment Canada said in a statement early Friday morning. The smoke is expected to last from Friday morning into the early afternoon. The air quality statement is in effect for the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Durham Region, Pickering, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Newmarket and Georgina. It is also in effect further north for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale. Environment Canada issued a similar special air quality statement for much of Ontario on Thursday. People are advised to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities or events, the federal weather agency said in Friday's statement. Those who must spend time outdoors are advised to wear a "well-constructed, will-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask" such as an N95 mask, Environment Canada said. These masks can reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke, but there can still be risks to health, the statement read. When indoors, people are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. A clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system or a certified portable air cleaner may help protect indoor air from wildfire smoke, Environment Canada said. People may experience "mild and common symptoms" such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, the federal weather agency said. More serious and less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. People are advised to seek immediate medical assistance if they think they are having a medical emergency. Seniors, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with existing illness or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors are the most likely to be impacted by outdoor health pollution, Environment Canada said.
