Canada: Over 10,000 people evacuated in Alberta as of May 30 /update 1

Event

Multiple wildfires in Alberta province have forced over 10,000 people to evacuate from their homes as of Thursday, May 30. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River, High Level, Mackenzi county, Northern Lights county, Wabasca, and Big Stone Cree Nation. Officials warned on Thursday that the so-called Chuckegg Creek fire, located southwest of High Level, has continued to spread at an alarming rate. Between 12:00 (local time) on Wednesday, May 29, and 04:00 on Thursday, the fire traveled an estimated 30 km (19 mi). Officials partially closed Highway 1 between High Level and Hay River (Northwest Territories) due to the blaze. CN Rail confirmed on Wednesday that a critical bridge at Steen River linking the Northwest Territories to southern Canada was destroyed by another fire in the area, disrupting diesel fuel shipments into the northern parts of the country. The Maria Lake and MacMillan Complex fires near the Slave Lake area are also growing and moving closer together as of Thursday morning. Further information regarding road closures and evacuation notices can be found on the Alberta 511 website. 

Containment efforts are ongoing, but the fires are expected to continue to grow in the coming days. According to officials, hot, dry, and windy conditions are forecast for the next two weeks, increasing the fire danger. Further evacuations and transportation disruptions are possible in the near term.

Context

There are currently 28 active wildfires in Alberta province, including nine which are considered “out of control.”

Advice

Individuals in Alberta province are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near wildfires, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation.