Fox Creek wildfire on May 6, 2023. (MJ Patterson/Pattison Media)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

another update coming at 5 p.m. Saturday

Premier Smith updates Albertans on wildfire situation

May 6, 2023 | 2:15 PM

On Saturday afternoon, UCP Leader Danielle Smith gave an update on Alberta’s response to 100+ wildfires burning across the province.

You can watch the press conference below:

Smith noted there will be daily media briefings on the fire situation.

“Many municipalities and parks have also introduced bans to reduce human-caused wildfires.These decisions were made due to the extremely warm weather and strong winds the province is facing particularly in northern Alberta.These conditions mean it’s very easy for both a wildfire to start and spread quickly,” she said.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

She added that officials will be meeting and deliberating on all possible options regarding the wildfire situation later today, which will include the potential of a provincial State of Emergency.

An announcement from officials is planned for 5 p.m.

“I want to give contact information for any Albertan who has been impacted by the wildfires. The Wildfire Resource Line is 310- 4455. That’ll be a common call center where you’ll be able to get any updates that you need on evacuation services,” she shared.

“People can also visit Alberta.ca. We’re making it very easy where the information on the wildfires is readily available through a banner, and in addition to that, if you want to follow the immediate updates that happen on Twitter.”

Smith also thanked first responders.

“We have seen our firefighters and first responders bravely step up as they always do. Municipal Leadership in all affected communities and their neighboring towns and cities have also stepped up and Albertans are lending a helping hand to their neighbors because that’s what we do as Albertans.”

rdnewsNOW is working around the clock to ensure readers in our markets are up to date on the wildfire situation, including in the Drayton Valley area.

We’ll have more later after the announcement at 5 p.m.