Alberta heat wave brings added wildfire risk
With Edmonton and most of north and central Alberta under heat warnings from Environment Canada, Alberta Wildfire officials enter the long weekend on pins and needles.
Article content
With daytime temperatures expected to exceed 30 C until a predicted break on Sunday, conditions are all too perfect for the ignition and spread of wildfire. And, it's the long weekend, when many Albertans and visitors to this province will be pitching tents and gathering around campfires.
Article content
Article content
Article content
'The hot weather is driving up the fire danger in most of the province,' said Josee St-Onge, an information officer for Alberta Wildfire.
Article content
Article content
She said the only regions not under increased risk are parts of southern Alberta that have recently received a lot of rain, and the Rocky Mountain region.
Article content
Not only does the hot weather increase the risk of fires starting, it provides optimum conditions for existing blazes to spread. There are currently 53 wildfires burning in Alberta, 11 of them rated as 'out of control.' St-Onge said the wildfire near Chipewyan Lake, which has burned since May, continues to pose a threat to nearby communities. It is currently over 137,000 hectares in size.
Article content
'It is still considered out of control,' said St-Onge.
Article content
St-Onge said that special attention is also being paid to the Lac La Biche area, which has received less moisture than other parts of the province this season.
Article content
Article content
If you are planning to go to some of Alberta's natural spaces this weekend, St-Onge asks that campers make sure to do what they can to minimize fire risks.
Article content
Article content
'Keep campfires small and fully under control,' she said. 'And make sure they are fully extinguished when you are done with them.'
Article content
As well, campers are asked to make sure they know the fire restrictions in the areas they visit, and follow the rules. If there's a fire ban, follow it. The City of Edmonton does not currently have a fire ban in place.
Article content
With hot weather comes the risk of fast-developing thunderstorms, and that means lightning risk in Alberta's wooded areas. St-Onge said Alberta Wildfire is vigilant when it comes to lightning, and fires started by things such as campfires just add more stress to an already high-risk time.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Special air-qaulity warning, statements continue across Canada
Watch The on-going wildfires continue to have a dangerous impact to the air-quality throughout the country, Environment Canada recommending limiting time outdoors.
CBC
4 hours ago
- CBC
Air quality in northern N.B. to drop Sunday evening
Social Sharing Air quality is expected to drop in northern New Brunswick, according to a recent statement from Environment Canada. Smoke from Prairie wildfires is drifting across the region. "Although most of the smoke is expected to remain aloft, some may settle near the ground and contribute to reduced air quality," Environment Canada says. The air quality is expected to improve early Monday. The alert is issued for residents in the Acadian Peninsula, Bathurst and Chaleaur Region, Campbellton and Restigouche County, Edmundston and Madawaska County, Grand Falls and Victoria County, Miramichi and area, Mount Carlton-Renous Highway, Woodstock and Carleton County, Stanley-Doaktown and Blackville area. "As smoke levels increase, health risks increase," says Environment Canada. People who need to be outdoors are advised to wear a well-fitting medical grade respirator mask to avoid inhaling fine smoke particles. Mild symptoms like headaches, cough, eye, throat and nose irritation are common, while those experiencing more serious symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical help.
CBC
4 hours ago
- CBC
Wildfire smoke causing hazy skies in Hamilton, Brantford and Niagara Region
Wildfire smoke is continuing to impact air quality in Hamilton, Brantford and the Niagara Region. Environment Canada issues a special air quality weather statement on Sunday afternoon that also includes the Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant counties. Hazy skies may continue into Monday, said the federal weather agency. It issued a similar advisory ealier in the week with the smoke originating from wildfires in the Prairies. "Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," said the statement Sunday. Smoke can cause eye, ear, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, Environment Canada said. It can also cause chest pains and wheezing. The agency says seniors, pregnant people, kids and babies, people with health conditions and those who work outdoors should reduce activity outdoors and seek medical help if experiencing symptoms. It adds that when indoors, people should keep their windows closed as much as possible, but that during extreme heat, it's best to prioritize keeping cool.
