Officials in Alberta are asking citizens to be cautious when making their plans for the May long weekend, in light of wildfires across the province. (Photo 101014222 © Pavlo Vakhrushev | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet

Albertans asked to put safety first when planning for long weekend activities

May 18, 2023 | 3:29 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The provincial government is asking Albertans to put safety first when recreating over the May long weekend.

Officials note that the fire danger is extreme in northern Alberta as hot and dry conditions are anticipated to continue over the coming days. In the southern Rockies, the fire danger is listed as moderate to high.

Albertans are being reminded that a fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction are in place throughout the Forest Protection Area.

VOLUNTARY PUBLIC LAND RESTRICTION

People in Alberta are being asked to restrict recreation activities on public land in the northwest of the province due to the risk of wildfires. This includes the Edson, Grande Prairie, High Level, Peace River, Slave Lake, and Whitecourt forest areas. This also applies to the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, located north of Highway 11.

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

Outdoor recreational activities like backcountry camping, mountain biking, and hiking in these areas is not recommended. Officials said that some sites have been directly impacted by wildfire while others are at risk due to their proximity to active wildfires and forecasted conditions.

Additionally, many provincial parks, provincial recreation areas and campgrounds in areas where the fire danger is high are closed. Campers with reservations in impacted areas will receive a refund.

The province listed certain parks that are closed:

• 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
• Wolf Lake West Provincial Recreation Area

More closures could be announced over the coming days. The list of closures and further updates are available at the Government of Alberta website.

Conservation officers will be boosting patrols to ensure compliance with active wildfire-related restrictions, closures, and fire bans. The province said non-compliance could result in penalties, including fines. In addition to having more conservation officers patrolling affected areas, staff will be out to educate Albertans and reinforce public safety measures.

According to the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard, there are 93 active wildfires burning in the province, as of Thursday, May 18, 2023.

READ MORE: Alberta declares provincial state of emergency due to wildfires