Wildfire_Burnout-21-Winter

Alberta Wildfires

Note: this page does not provide real-time updates on wildfires in Alberta. If you need current information, visit the Alberta government’s wildfire dashboard

The Alberta wildfire season started early this year, with the government declaring the start to the fire season on Feb. 20.

The province, already parched from last year’s dry weather, also faced a winter with too little precipitation to fill reservoirs. 

That means the potential for widespread impacts on everything from towns and cities to agriculture to oil and gas.

It also heightens the risk of widespread wildfires

2024 Alberta wildfires and the state of firefighting capacity

The 2024 Alberta wildfire season forced evacuations of residents in the northern parts of the province in April and May, from Peace River to Fort McMurray, the latter of which experienced a devastating fire in 2016. 

We’re covering energy on the Prairies
The Narwhal’s Prairies bureau is here to bring you stories on energy and the environment you won’t find anywhere else. Stay tapped in by signing up for a weekly dose of our ad‑free, independent journalism.
The Narwhal’s Prairies bureau is here to bring you stories on energy and the environment you won’t find anywhere else. Stay tapped in by signing up for a weekly dose of our ad‑free, independent journalism.
We’re covering energy on the Prairies

Wildfire teams have been gutted since the United Conservative Party took power in 2019. This year, the government announced more funding to deal with potential emergencies, along with plans to hire an additional 100 wildfire fighters. It has also set aside extra money in the budget to deal with the ravages of the climate crisis, including fires (though the budget does not identify climate change by name). 

Even as long-awaited moisture arrives in some regions of the province, the choking smoke of 2023 could still prove a hint of what’s to come and more communities could be impacted across a dry province.

Our newsletter subscribers are the first to find out when we break a big story. Sign up for free →
An illustration, in yellow, of a computer, with an open envelope inside it with letter reading 'Breaking news.'
Your access to our journalism is free — always. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for investigative reporting on the natural world in Canada you won’t find anywhere else.
'This is not a paywall' text illustration, in a reddish-pink font colour
Your access to our journalism is free — always. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for investigative reporting on the natural world in Canada you won’t find anywhere else.
'This is not a paywall' text illustration, in a reddish-pink font colour