Special Air Quality Bulletins from Environment Canada continue to cover much of Alberta, with smoke still covering much of the province.
The number of people evacuated by wildfires in Alberta has plummeted, as residents of the town of Drayton Valley, about 145 kilometers southwest of Edmonton, were recently allowed to return home.
However, around 12,000 people are still being evacuated.
According to Indigenous Services Canada, wildfires in Alberta threaten nine First Nations communities, while nine others are identified as being “watched” for a threat.
Of the 92 active wildfires in the province, 29 have been listed as out of control.
There are over 2,500 responders fighting wildfires in Alberta. The province receives assistance from across Canada, from the Armed Forces and the United States.
On the Northwest Territories side, residents of K’atl’odeeche First Nation and the neighboring community of Hay River are still under evacuation orders as an out-of-control wildfire continues to burn in the region.
Around 3,500 people from the two communities were forced to evacuate on Sunday evening. The Town of Hay River said 896 evacuees had registered in Yellowknife, some 480 kilometers away. Nearly 300 people are housed in the evacuation center of the territorial capital’s multiplex. Residents have also offered free rooms and campsites, as well as other forms of support.
The fire, whose last estimate was 1782 hectares, is possibly of human origin. Fire officials said no damage was reported in Hay River, but 15 buildings were damaged on the reservation.
Mike Westwick, wildfire information manager, described Wednesday’s extremely hot and dry conditions led to greater fire activity, with heavy smoke and ash being pushed towards communities.
He said 11 fire crews, nearly 120 people, as well as numerous helicopters, air tankers and heavy equipment were working to fight the blaze and prevent further damage.
The Yellowknife Fire Division is banning fires on city territory beginning at noon Friday.