Rain calms central Alberta wildfires, doesn't hit north or south
A forest is scorched after the Kiskatinaw River wildfire burned through an area along the B.C.-Alberta border. (B.C. Wildfire Service)
There are 56 active wildfires burning in the province as of Monday afternoon. 23 of the fires are classified as out-of-control.
Melissa Story with Alberta Wildfire said fire danger has lowered all across the province.
'The rain was helpful in lowering fire behaviour as well as the fire danger,' said Story. 'However, we didn't see the amount of rain that we needed in the northern and southern parts of the province.'
But with showers forecasted for the week, she's hopeful the High Level and Calgary forest areas will get a good soak.
Fires in the Slave Lake, Lac La Biche and Grande Prairie forest areas are still considered out-of-control despite getting rain over the weekend. Story said it will 'take some time' before their status changes.
Story said crews are keeping a closer eye on the Sousa Creek wildfire in northern Alberta as it didn't get as much rain as other parts of the province and is close to the communities of Chateh High Level and Rainbow Lake.
'We're doing everything we can to contain that wildfire,' said Story.
Several wildfires that make up the Red Earth East Complex in the Slave Lake forest area received a good dose of rain over the last few days.
'Firefighters were making great progress on those fires,' said Story. 'They are of significant size, so they will take some time to get to an extinguished status … We're hopeful that some of these communities can return home soon.'
Other wildfires of note
A 21,000-hectare wildfire continues to burn 30 kilometres north of Manning. Cooler temperatures and rainy conditions have slowed fire growth.
Highway 35 is open between Hawk Hills and Keg River with speed reductions in place due to decreased visibility with smoke conditions.
Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area still remains closed at this time.
The Blue Sky wildfire north of Marten Beach is still classified as out of control, but did receive a significant amount of rain. Helicopters and airtankers are working to contain the fire by dumping buckets of water along the perimeter of the blaze.
Highway 88 is open but smoky conditions may reduce visibility.
Firefighters have made significant progress on containing the Tulip Lake wildfire near Fort Fitzgerald and Fort Smith. The fire is still classified as out of control.
Kiskatinaw River Wildfire
The Kiskatinaw River Wildfire burning along the B.C.-Alberta border. (B.C. Wildfire Service)
The Kiskatinaw River wildfire on the B.C.-Alberta border is still considered out of control and is estimated to be 26,627 hectares in size. Alberta Wildfire, B.C. Wildfire Service and the County of Grande Prairie are coordinating response efforts.
Showers on the Caribou Lake wildfire are reducing fire behaviour on the 69,307-hectare blaze. It is still classified as out of control.
Fire bans
Because of the wet weather, many fire bans in the province have been lifted.
There are still bans in place for the High Level and Calgary forest areas.
63 per cent of wildfires in the province are caused by humans, Story said.
You can find a complete and updated list of current fire bans here.
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