Achi news desk-
The Alberta government says cool, wet weather over the past week has reduced the risk of wildfires in the province.
Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen says there has been a “significant reduction” in the number of active wildfires since last week.
There are 30 fires burning in the state, with three listed as ongoing and four as under control.
Twenty are left over from last year’s wildfire season.
Loewen says the fire on the border of Alberta and the Northwest Territories poses little risk to critical infrastructure and is expected to be classified as “ongoing.”
A fire near Fort McMurray’s northern oil sands hub, which forced out about 6,000 residents in some neighborhoods for several days last week, was still listed as sustained.
The evacuation order was lifted on Saturday, “thanks to the favorable conditions along with the diligent work of firefighters and support staff,” Loewen said Thursday.
Alberta Wildfire information officer Christie Tucker said 45 millimeters of rain was recorded outside of Fort McMurray over the weekend, but said the risk is not over.
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“It was a wet and cold long weekend for most Albertans and those conditions certainly helped the work of firefighters, especially those working up north,” he said.
“But it doesn’t mean our work there is done.”
About 290 square kilometers of forest have been burned so far this year in Alberta.
“It’s important to remember that conditions can change very quickly in Alberta leading to increased wildfire danger and activity,” said Loewen.
“We are expecting rain in many parts of the province over the next few days, but it is essential that Albertans remain informed about wildfire risk levels.”
Loewen said all wildfires are investigated and about 77 percent this year have been caused by humans.
In the Calgary area last weekend, crews responded to 25 dormant campfires that had to be quickly extinguished.
“If the risk of wildfires had been higher, these could easily have led to the start of new catastrophic wildfires,” said Loewen.
For the latest information on which areas in Alberta are under a wildfire warning or evacuation order, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website.
For the latest information on wildfire status and danger across the province, visit the Alberta Wildfire website.
The most up-to-date information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province can be found on the Alberta fire bans website.
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
