Update 17: Alberta wildfire update (July 29, 3 p.m.)

Current situation (as of 3 p.m., July 29)

• There are 49 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and three mutual aid fires.
  • 10 are classified as out of control, eight are being held and 31 are under control.
  • There have been three new wildfires since yesterday.
• Since Jan. 1, there have been 850 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 671,000 hectares.
• More than 1,400 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.
• Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.
• Alberta has imported firefighters and support staff from British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Australia and Chile.
• Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Orders and alerts

• Updates on evacuation orders are available on https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.
• The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17's evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake remains in effect.
  • Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
• Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities' preferred communication channels for updates.
• People living in Alberta are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.

Fire bans

• Fire advisories are in place for the Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie and Slave Lake Forest Areas, and parts of the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
  • Under the advisory, fire permits will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Safe campfires are still permitted.
• A fire restriction is in place for the remaining portion of the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
  • Under the restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands.
  • Safe wood campfires on private land, including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring, are permitted.
• Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at albertafirebans.ca
• Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
• Everyone has a role to play in wildfire prevention. Follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
• Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.

Air quality

• Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.

Roads and highways

• There are no road closures from wildfires.
• 511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
• Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites - they are there with your safety in mind.

Health

• For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services.

Child care

• Opportunity Childcare in Red Earth Creek has reopened.
• Licensed child-care programs are required to notify Child Care Connect if they close unexpectedly.
• Parents and guardians should reach out to their child-care provider for information on closures.

Justice and court services

• The Red Earth Creek courthouse is closed until further notice.
• Visit the Alberta Courts website for the most current information regarding court scheduling.

Related information

• Active emergency updates
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts app
• Download the Alberta Wildfire app
• How to prepare for an emergency
• Wildfire smoke information
• Emergency evacuation payments
• Free admission to provincial museums and historic sites