Dry conditions and days of gusting winds have fueled over 100 wildfires across Western Canada, with several out of control blazes leading to thousands of evacuations in the past week.
Cooler temperatures and weaker winds have provided some relief for firefighters battling fires in British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. However, the threat persists for three communities as crews work to protect them from the flames.
British Columbia
Firefighting crews near Fort Nelson, B.C., have managed to contain the Parker Lake blaze but are now facing the Patry Creek fire, a holdover from 2023 that has significantly grown in recent days.
The Parker Lake fire prompted an evacuation order on May 9 for Fort Nelson and Fort Nelson First Nation after a tree fell on a power line, sparking the fire just nine kilometers west of the community. The blaze now covers over 31,000 acres.
Despite the fire being two kilometers outside of the town, Mayor Rob Fraser confirmed some structural damage and mentioned that the municipality would reach out to property owners once the damage assessment is complete.
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The mayor expressed frustration with individuals sharing photos and videos of the damage on social media, calling it âunconscionable.â
He expressed confidence that fire crews will be able to contain the blaze if the weather remains favorable, but noted that the Patry Creek wildfire is also a concern.
Mr. Boghean described the Patry Creek wildfire as âgrowing quickly,â fueled by northwesterly winds that led to significant growth and extreme fire behavior. It currently covers over 177,000 acres and is spreading rapidly.
Despite the forecasted cooler temperatures and chance of rain, the threat of extreme fire behavior returning remains, according to Mr. Boghean.
The Truax Creek area near Carpenter Lake is being closely monitored after an out-of-control wildfire was discovered west of Lillooet on May 12.
Alberta
Over 6,600 residents of Fort McMurray have been evacuated as a wildfire approached four neighborhoods on May 14. This evacuation comes eight years after a devastating wildfire destroyed around 2,400 homes in the northeastern Alberta community.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged that the residents of Fort McMurray are likely experiencing heightened anxiety due to the 2016 wildfire.
The safety of everyone facing this situation is my priority, despite my sympathy. Alberta Wildfire information unit manager Christie Tucker stated that conditions remain extreme, with active fire behavior expected but less intense than yesterday due to cooler temperatures and weaker winds. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. Alberta Wildfire has deployed 117 firefighters and 14 helicopters to the region. Firefighters are focusing on structure protection in various neighborhoods. In Manitoba, a fire near Cranberry Portage has prompted evacuations, with no estimated return date yet. Premier Kinew Wab has pledged support for firefighters and impacted families. The fire, started by lightning, has not threatened Flin Flon but has disrupted communication services.
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