July 13, 2024
EDMONTON – Climate News – Firefighting and emergency management efforts continue in the Forest Protection Area with no new evacuation alerts or orders, and no new States of Local Emergency have been declared. Rain has fallen on parts of northern Alberta, but not enough to make an impact on the severe wildfire situation.
Alberta Emergency Alerts
- As of July 13, at 2 p.m., there are no new emergency alerts.
- Little Red River Cree Nation’s State of Local Emergency, declared via Band Council Resolution on July 10, remains in effect.
- The response continues to be led by Little Red River Cree Nation with Alberta Emergency Management Agency First Nations field officers providing support.
- Albertans are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.
Current situation
- Little Red River Cree Nation remains under a state of local emergency, declared via Band Council Resolution.
- An evacuation order remains in effect for the Garden River community.
- Crews are building additional contingency lines.
- Structural protection work continues in Garden River.
- ATCO continues work to protect powerline along Highway 58.
- The Semo Complex Fire (HWF061) remains out of control at over 46,000 hectares in size, and it is still approximately 8 kilometres from highway 58 and 30 kilometres northwest of Garden River.
- Over 240 firefighters, eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment are actively responding to this wildfire.
- Since January 1, there have been 744 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned more than 264,000 hectares.
- Of these wildfires, 31 are classified as out of control, 30 are being held, 32 are under control and 650 have been extinguished.
- As of July 13, 2024, there are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area. Information on these wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Fire bans
- A fire ban is in place for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- Cities, towns, villages, and summer villages, as well as federal lands, such as national parks, are exempt from this ban.
- These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.
- Albertans should visit the website or social media for their local municipality to confirm if a fire ban is in effect in their area.
- For information on activities prohibited under this ban, visit alberta.ca/fire-bans.
Support for evacuees
- People who have been evacuated from their homes for seven or more days can apply for a one-time emergency evacuation payment. Eligible evacuees will receive $1,250 per adult and an additional $500 per dependent child under 18.
Roads and highways
- There are currently no highway closures.
- Visit 511.alberta.ca for up-to-date information on road closures and travel advisories.
Health care
- There are currently no hospital closures.
Education
- There are currently no school closures.
Emergency Preparedness
- Get ready for emergencies and disasters by taking simple steps now. To be prepared, Albertans need to know what to do, where to go and have enough supplies for a week or more. Supplies include food, water, medications and important documents. Include supplies for pets as well.
- Read more about emergency preparedness.
