Sparking better behaviour: Teaching wildfire safety around northern Alberta
With the long weekend's recreation ahead, Sturgeon County officials' state of local emergency remained in place, with total fire and OHV/ATV bans still in place as of Friday at noon.
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The Redwater Recreation Area remained closed by Alberta Parks, with a 3,230-hectare active fire being held but still active despite cooler weather and days of fighting a blaze that covered thousands of hectares.
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'With the long weekend approaching, please keep in mind that the risk of wildfires is at an all-time high. No outdoor fires are allowed, and no new burn permits or fireworks permits will be issued,' said a release from the county.
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Anyone who witnessed a ban violation was urged to call the complaint line at 780-939-8418.
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'Firefighters continue to look for and extinguish remaining hot spots in the interior of the fire. This work takes time, as the fire has burned deeply into the ground in some areas. Helicopter support is available if required.
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'Firefighters need space to do their work safely. For your safety and the safety of first responders, please respect road closures and avoid burned areas,' the release said.
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Getting FireSmart
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FireSmart is a national program meant to help Canadians increase neighbourhoods' resilience to wildfires and minimize their negative impacts.
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It was founded in three decades ago to address common concerns about wildfire in the wildland-urban interface.
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Earlier this month, as Edmonton emergency responders juggled a rare three-alarm fire, a huge grass fire set tinder ablaze in northwestern Edmonton all in the same window. It was another reminder to Fire Chief David Lazenby that FireSmart prevention starts in the hearts and minds of Albertans.
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For some urban cities, wildfires aren't a common threat, but with Edmonton's scenic River Valley and the green areas surrounding the city, there's corresponding risks — and being prepared means looking at everything from development to response, Lazenby said.
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'When we look at the wildland interface, that's a connection point between the River Valley and the community at the top of the River Valley there, we're building a whole city strategy. So it's not just the Fire and Rescue Service, it's city operations, it's urban planning,' Lazenby said.
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Cision Canada
a day ago
- Cision Canada
Latest hailstorm in Calgary causes $92 million in insured damage
EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - The hailstorm that swept through Calgary on July 13 has resulted in close to $92 million in insured damages according to initial estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ). Damage to vehicles represented 65% of all claims resulting from the storm. "Insured damage from hailstorms in Alberta over the past five years now stands at $6 billion," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "Continued rebuilding on this scale is unsustainable and will put pressure on premiums until more is done to build resilience that prevents hail damage in the first place. We know what's required – better building codes, financial support for retrofits, and enhanced risk mapping and warning systems. It's time for a national conversation on how we can make these changes a reality to better protect Canada's communities moving forward." Many areas of Calgary sit within Canada's "Hail Alley," a region long known for frequent and damaging hailstorms. Last week, CatIQ released its one-year update on the damage caused by the August 5, 2024, Calgary hailstorm that caused over $3.2 billion in insured losses. That storm was the costliest hailstorm, and second costliest natural disaster, in Canadian history. Including last month's hailstorm, Alberta has experienced at least one major hailstorm every year for the past two decades, resulting in more than $11 billion in insured damage. The past five years alone have accounted for $6 billion of that total. "These hailstorms are not isolated, one-off incidents – they reflect a clear and troubling pattern that demands action through public policy," said Sutherland. "It's far past the time to have a serious conversation about the extent of repeated hail damage, specifically in Calgary, and the urgent need to consider resilience measures and adapt more effectively to our new weather reality." For years, insurers have been calling on all orders of government to better protect Canadians from natural disasters. In Calgary, that must include efforts to: Revive Calgary's Resilient Roofing Rebate Program, which provided homeowners with financial assistance to retrofit their homes to protect them from hail damage Mandate the use of hail-resistant roofing and siding for all new construction in high-risk areas Improve hail notification services so that residents are better able to prepare and move vehicles out of harm's way when a storm is coming. Resilience at a national level Governments across Canada have a critical role to play in better protecting people from disaster. This includes: Halting the construction of homes and businesses in high-risk flood and wildfire zones Investing in communities that are at high risk of experiencing extreme weather events to ensure they are FireSmart and better protected against flooding Helping homeowners understand the specific risks they face in their area Subsidizing home retrofits to help reduce damage from floods and wildfires. Canada also needs a federal coordinating agency to lead emergency preparedness and recovery efforts, ensuring communities are not left to develop their own response plans from scratch after every catastrophic weather event. Every other G7 country has an agency operating in this capacity – it's time for Canada to follow suit and take a proactive approach to emergency management. Effects of severe weather on an already strained auto insurance market More than half of the claims from July's hailstorm – about 65% – were for vehicles. This underscores the growing pressure that severe weather is placing on Alberta's already strained auto insurance system. As severe weather and other pressures on the insurance system climb, the cost of providing auto insurance continues to grow. Yet for the past three years, the Alberta government has frozen or capped auto insurance premiums below the cost of providing coverage – the longest period of government interference in auto insurance in Canadian history. With premiums no longer reflecting the cost of providing auto insurance coverage, Alberta auto insurers paid out $1.20 in claims and expenses for every $1 they earned in premiums in 2024. This is not sustainable. As Alberta auto insurance grows increasingly financially untenable, some insurers are being forced to restrict the sale of coverage, leaving many drivers facing challenges securing the coverage they need. Unless rates are permitted to reflect the actual cost of coverage and Alberta's auto insurance market is returned to health, the success of the government's Care-First reforms will be in jeopardy. "Alberta's auto insurance system is in crisis," said Sutherland. "The government must remove the rate cap and ensure the Care-First reforms are implemented effectively – especially by reining in legal costs, as promised. IBC continues to work with the government to get the details right. Without meaningful change, consumers will face fewer insurance coverage options and growing frustration." The amount of insured damage is an estimate provided by CatIQ ( under licence to IBC. About Insurance Bureau of Canada Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For media releases, IN Focus articles or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help.
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Edmonton Journal
Feds earmark $45.7M to address wildfire threat as risk of blazes, smoke seen rising across Canada
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Firefighters from Alberta Wildfire spray water on blackened, burned grasslands after conducting controlled burns against wildfires near Saprae Creek south of Fort McMurray on April 24, 2025. Vincent McDermott/Postmedia file With wildfire season underway across much of Canada, the federal government is earmarking $45.7 million for 30 projects aimed at strengthening Canada's wildfire prevention, mitigation and recovery. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Natural Resources Canada says the projects, funded through its Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge program, are focused on advancing research to protect Canadians from the growing threat of wildfires, strengthen risk assessments, and improve mitigation and adaptive forestry practices. The funding was announced Tuesday by Calgary Confederation MP Corey Hogan on behalf of Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again 'These investments will play an instrumental role in helping us understand how we can reduce the impact of wildfires on Canadians by accelerating how we develop and adopt innovative and adaptive wildfire and forestry practices,' Hogan said. Hogan said wildfires are becoming 'more frequent, more intense and more dangerous' across Canada, with a growing number of Canadians 'feelings the impacts first-hand.' Canada's 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive on record, burning more than 14 million hectares — about four times the 10-year average. In 2024, more than 5.3 million hectares burned. Alberta currently has 52 active wildfires, of which 13 per cent are classified as out of control, according to the province's online dashboard. The total area burned so far this year is more than 677,000 hectares. Speaking to reporters, Hogan said the consequences of widespread wildfires are expanding 'dramatically,' citing economic, health and psychological impacts. 'It's incumbent on governments across all levels to do what they can to both avoid these things happening in the first place and respond to them as rapidly as possible,' he said. Natural Resources Canada estimates fire-suppression costs could double by 2040 as wildfire risks worsen. Hogan also pointed to worsening smoke trends in Calgary in recent years. From 1953 to 2014, the average number of smoke hours was about 12 hours per year. In 2024, Calgary recorded 200 smoke hours — down from 512 hours in 2023 but still the fifth-highest total in 70 years, according to the City of Calgary's Climate and Environment Dashboard. 'It's not your imagination. We're seeing more of this,' Hogan said of the growing prevalence of smoky conditions in the city. This advertisement has not loaded yet. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Two Alberta-based projects are among those benefiting from the federal funds. More than $890,000 is earmarked for a Swan River First Nation project focused on testing and refining a wildfire risk assessment and scenario exploration tool. The tool will help forecast present and future wildfire risk for any landscape, according to Natural Resources Canada. The Blood Tribe Fire Guardianship program is receiving $500,000 for a project that will boost community knowledge sharing, and develop tools and resources, such as cultural burn plans. In a statement, Hodgson said protecting the safety, health and economic well-being of communities across Canada is a top priority amid ongoing wildfires threats. 'Today's announcement will allow us to prepare for future challenges by advancing wildfire knowledge, accelerating risk and mitigation strategies, and supporting Indigenous fire stewardship to build resilience and protect Canadian families and homes,' Hodgson said. Eleanor Olszewski, minister of emergency management and community resilience and MP for Edmonton Centre, said the funding is part of a broader plan to bolster Canada's disaster preparedness. 'This funding will help communities be ready for wildfire risks and protect their homes and land,' Olszewski said in a statement. The announcement comes as provinces from coast to coast battle wildfires. Newfoundland and Labrador is fighting at least five wildfires as of Tuesday, including the 6,370 hectare Kingston fire in Conception Bay, and another blaze in the Paddy's Pond area on the outskirts of St. John's and the Conception Bay South area. Evacuation alerts have been issued across the region and aircraft from other provinces are helping to battle the blazes, including water bombers from Quebec and Ontario, and smaller tanker planes provided by New Brunswick. The Canadian Armed Forces has supplied 80 wildland firefighters to help the province fight the wildfires. Halifax firefighters are responding to an out-of-control wildfire in the Bayers Lake area, with evacuations underway. As of 4:45 p.m. local time Tuesday, about 30 Halifax and Emergency Services firefighters and eight Department of Natural Resources wildland members had been deployed to fight the blaze, along with air support. The fire was estimated to be six hectares in size as of Tuesday afternoon. In British Columbia, 98 wildfires are burning, with nine classified as out-of-control. — With files from Postmedia
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Moderate relief expected for GTA after record-breaking 'notable' heat event
Sweltering heat expected to break in coming days for many Canadians after dozens of records broken Monday Published Aug 12, 2025 • 4 minute read Hazel Whelan, 11, of Mississauga, Ont., launches herself into a small wave at Port Stanley, Ont.'s main beach on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Photo by Mike Hensen / Postmedia Network Sweltering heat is expected to break in the coming days for many Canadians after Monday's scorching temperatures broke dozens of daily heat records across the country. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Around 51 daily heat records were broken across the country on Monday with many regions recording temperatures in the mid-30s, said Christy Climenhaga, a scientist with Environment Canada. 'When numerous (temperature) records are falling, that indicates that it is more of a notable heat event,' Climenhaga said in an interview Tuesday. Relief is coming first for southern British Columbia, where a multi-day heat wave is expected to end on Tuesday or Wednesday, as temperatures return to the seasonal mid-20s in many regions. Monday's temperatures broke or tied daily heat records in nine regions in the province, according to Environment Canada, six of which were located on Vancouver Island. That included the Victoria area, which saw temperatures reach 33.8 C, nearly two degrees warmer than the 31.9 C record set in 1990. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. New heat records stretched as far north as Pemberton on the mainland, with the weather agency reporting temperatures of 37.4 C, beating the 1977 daily temperature record by a small fraction. Read More Hot conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday in southern Ontario, stretching north past Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and east through southern Quebec. Ontario saw 10 new daily heat records broken or tied yesterday in areas including Algonquin Park, Goderich, Parry Sound and Bancroft, Climenhaga said. While cooler temperatures are expected to sweep through the area by Tuesday evening with the heat warning coming to an end by Wednesday, Climenhaga said southern Ontario should still expect temperatures in the 30s through the end of the week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Toronto is still going to be hot through much of the week, but perhaps below the heat warning criteria,' she said. In the Maritimes, high temperatures are expected to remain through to Wednesday, while parts of Newfoundland will see similar conditions breaking on Thursday or Friday. Dozens of daily heat records were shattered across the Atlantic provinces on Monday, according to the national weather agency, surpassing temperature records previously set as far back as the late 1800s. Miramichi, N.B., broke a more than 150-year-old temperature record with the heat climbing to 37.6 C Monday, just under one degree below a record set in 1876. Fredericton also surpassed a daily high of 35 C from 1893 by a tiny fraction. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Monday's heat in some Newfoundland and Labrador regions even set new monthly extreme temperature records for August, according to Environment Canada. La Scie, N.L., set a new monthly high of 31.5 C yesterday, breaking a previous August heat record of 31 C set on Aug. 7, 1990. Similarly, the Labrador region of Mary's Harbour broke a monthly record from Aug. 6, 1990, by almost two degrees. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Amid the heat, an Agriculture Canada update shows Nova Scotia, eastern Newfoundland, southeastern New Brunswick and portions of Prince Edward Island shifting into moderate and severe drought conditions over the past month, with rainfall levels plummeting to 60% of normal levels in Halifax. Climenhaga said an atmospheric upper ridge has formed in the atmosphere over the East Coast, trapping the heat and preventing the rain from getting through. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'You get heat building under that ridge that will give you prolonged periods of hot and dry weather,' she said. In eastern Ontario, water conservation efforts are underway with rainfall down 40% and a citywide burn ban in place for Ottawa. Agriculture Canada reported that fully 71% of the country was classified as abnormally dry or as being in a moderate to extreme drought by the end of July. It only takes a couple days of hot and dry weather for wildfire risk to grow, Climenhaga said, and that extended periods of extreme heat can 'increase risk and volatility very quickly.' Data show this year's wildfire season is already the second worst on record. Climenhaga said British Columbia and the Prairies are expecting to see 'some decent rainfall' to mark the end of the dry spell, while the Maritimes should see 'showery rainfall here and there' toward the end of the week. But she said a single rain shower won't mark the end of wildfire and drought seasons, noting that consistent rain over long periods of time is important to reduce risks. 'When you look at prolonged dry weather and you've got a lot of fires burning, one dose of rainfall isn't necessarily a magic bullet to solve everything,' she said. 'If you've got a good amount of rainfall but then the dry, hot weather comes back, you could be right back to where you started.' — With files from Vanessa Tiberio in Toronto, Michael Tutton in Halifax and Sarah Ritchie in Ottawa. Toronto Blue Jays Canada Toronto Blue Jays World Sunshine Girls
