The ongoing wildfire risk has prompted the closure of several provincial parks in Alberta during the May long weekend. The Forestry, Parks, and Tourism Minister, Todd Loewen, announced the restriction of outdoor recreational activities in various forest areas, including Edson, Grande Prairie, High Level, Peace River, Slave Lake, Whitecourt, and the Rocky Mountain House. The closure aims to minimize the risk of wildfires and ensure public safety.
Park Closures and Refunds
To mitigate the wildfire danger, multiple provincial parks, recreation areas, and campgrounds have been closed in high-risk areas. These include Young’s Point Provincial Park, Williamson Provincial Park, Smoke Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, Winagami Lake Provincial Park, Brazeau Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area, Two Lakes Provincial Park, Iosegun Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Waskahigan River Provincial Recreation Area, Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, Minnow Lake Provincial Recreation Area, and Wolf Lake West Provincial Recreation Area.
Campers who had reservations in the affected areas will receive a refund for their bookings.
Fire Bans and Off-Highway Vehicle Restrictions
In addition to the park closures, a fire ban has been implemented across the forest protection area, prohibiting fires on both public and private land, including backyards. An off-highway vehicle restriction is also in place, prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles designed for off-road travel, such as jeeps and pickup trucks, on public land and designated off-highway vehicle trails. These measures are necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the environment.
Enforcement and Penalties
Conservation officers will increase patrols in the affected areas to ensure compliance with the restrictions, closures, and fire bans. Non-compliance with the regulations may result in penalties, including fines.
Ongoing Wildfire Situation
Currently, there are 92 active wildfires in Alberta, with 26 of them classified as out of control. Since the beginning of the year, Alberta Wildfire has responded to 487 wildfires, which have burned nearly 765,000 hectares. The hot, dry, and windy conditions in April and early May have contributed to the significant area burned.
Importance of Prevention
As the May long weekend approaches, authorities emphasize the importance of preventing new wildfires. Traditionally, this time of year sees an increase in human-caused fires due to recreational activities. The risks associated with starting new wildfires are being strongly emphasized, urging the public to heed the warnings and help prevent further devastation.
Evacuation Orders and Relief Efforts
Evacuation orders have been issued for various areas affected by the wildfires. Residents of Valleyview and the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River have been temporarily displaced but are gradually returning home as the situation improves. The County of Grande Prairie has also lifted the evacuation order for its residents.
The River Cree Outdoor SummerFest, originally scheduled for July, has been canceled due to the disruption caused by wildfires in many communities. Instead, the River Cree Resort and Casino will hold an outdoor benefit concert on July 14, with all funds going directly to Alberta wildfire relief efforts.
FAQs
1. Which provincial parks are closed during the May long weekend?
Several provincial parks closed due to the wildfire risk including Young’s Point Provincial Park, Williamson Provincial Park, Smoke Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, Winagami Lake Provincial Park, Brazeau Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area, Two Lakes Provincial Park, Iosegun Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Waskahigan River Provincial Recreation Area, Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, Minnow Lake Provincial Recreation Area, and Wolf Lake West Provincial Recreation Area.
2. Are there any restrictions in place due to the wildfire risk?
Yes, in addition to the park closures, a fire ban has been implemented across the forest protection area. This means that fires are prohibited on both public and private land, including backyards. Moreover, there is an off-highway vehicle restriction in place, which prohibits the use of motorized vehicles designed for off-road travel, such as jeeps and pickup trucks, on public land and designated off-highway vehicle trails. These measures are crucial to minimize the risk of wildfires and safeguard public safety.
3. What happens if I don’t comply with the restrictions and closures?
Conservation officers will be conducting increased patrols in the affected areas to ensure compliance. Non-compliance with the regulations, closures, and fire bans may result in penalties, including fines. It is essential to adhere to these restrictions for the safety of individuals and the preservation of natural areas.
4. How many wildfires are currently active, and what has been the impact so far?
As of now, there are 92 active wildfires in Alberta, with 26 of them classified as out of control. Since the beginning of the year, Alberta Wildfire has responded to 487 wildfires, burning an area of nearly 765,000 hectares. The hot, dry, and windy conditions in April and early May have contributed to the significant extent of the wildfires.
5. Why is there a heightened focus on preventing new wildfires during the May long weekend?
The May long weekend traditionally sees an increase in human-caused wildfires due to people engaging in recreational activities in forested areas. To prevent further devastation, authorities are emphasizing the importance of preventing new wildfires. The public is urged to listen to the warnings, follow the regulations, and help in the collective effort to prevent the ignition and spread of wildfires.
6. What assistance is available for evacuees and affected communities?
Evacuees who have been out of their homes for at least seven total days are eligible for financial aid. They can apply for assistance using a verified Alberta.ca account. The province is also conducting telephone town halls every night at 7:30 p.m., providing evacuees with an opportunity to ask questions and receive updates. Evacuees can participate in the town halls by calling 1-833-380-0691.
Please stay informed and follow the guidance provided by authorities to ensure your safety and contribute to wildfire prevention efforts.
