Officials in Northwest Territories warned residents late Monday to brace for "extreme fire weather" as a record-breaking Arctic heatwave resulted in substantial growth to fires burning across the province. Further south, while Jasper evacuees were told by officials Monday they would be able to return to their homes on Friday, officials later said that schools will not be ready to open for the upcoming school year.
For the latest on active wildfire counts, evacuation order and alerts and insight into how wildfires are impacting everyday Canadians, scroll below to see our Yahoo Canada live blog.
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Corné van Hoepen
National wildfire outlook map Aug 13: How many fires are currently burning in Canada?
Active fires in Canada today: 930
The map below details locations of wildfires across Canada and classified by status of:
Red = Out of Control
Yellow = Being Held
Blue = Under control
Purple = Out of Control (Monitored)
New fires today (Aug. 13): 18
Fires to date in 2024: 4,623
Area burned to date in 2024 (HA): 3.6M
Key Canada wildfire updates Tuesday:
🔥 Highway 1 between Enterprise, N.W.T., and the Alberta border is closed due to wildfire smoke, according to a statement from the territorial government.
🔥 While hundreds of wildfire evacuees across northern B.C. are now allowed to return home as evacuations downgrade, the number of active blazes has climbed well above 400 on Tuesday.
🔥 All three schools in Jasper will be not ready in time for the school year as work continues to clean up wildfire damage.
Corné van Hoepen
Current B.C. wildfire conditions: Number of active blazes surpass 400
Several hundred residents in British Columbia's Kootenay region are allowed to return home as officials downgrade an evacuation order prompted by a complex of wildfires, according to reports by the Canadian Press.
For current B.C. evacuation orders and alerts, click HERE.
Province-wide however, the number of active wildfires continues climbing, with fire crews responding to 427 active blazes — 43 per cent which are classified as out-of-control.
The wildfire service website shows there are now five wildfires of note in B.C., after the Hullcar Mountain Fire, about 13 kilometres northwest of Armstrong, was downgraded.
Wildfires of note are either highly visible or pose a threat to public safety and infrastructure.
The nearly eight-kilometre blaze is now classified by the wildfire service as "being held."
For current air quality statements and alerts in B.C., click HERE.
Three evacuation alerts that were issued by Columbia Shuswap Regional District, the Township of Spallumcheen and the Splatsin First Nation were in place as of Monday.
The City of #Revelstoke has RESCINDED an #Evacuation Alert on behalf of @ColShuRegDist for the Shelter Bay to Cranberry Creek area along #BCHwy23 due to the Dry Creek #BCWildfire. More info: https://t.co/mwXZvGGya3 #BC pic.twitter.com/d4I8esJwzX
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) August 12, 2024
Corné van Hoepen
Wildfire smoke closes Highway 1 between Northwest Territories and Alberta
Highway 1 between Enterprise, N.W.T., and the Alberta border is closed due to wildfire smoke, according to a statement from the territorial government shared by CBC News.
Heavy smoke is coming from wildfires to the west and south. In a statement Tuesday morning, N.W.T. Fire said there are no wildfire threats to Enterprise or Hay River.
The heavy smoke has created low visibility and difficult driving conditions.
The Highway 1 closure came the morning after N.W.T. Fire said "extreme" fire activity was expected over the next 24 hours due to high winds.
Jasper evacuees react to Friday reentry: 'It's going to be kind of weird to go back home'
Officials announced on Monday that Jasper evacuees would be allowed to return home on Friday, three weeks following an overnight evacuation that saw 20,000 flee the village in a harrowing journey. In the wake of the announcement, evacuees say they are unsure of what to expect.
In Edmonton, Jasper resident Victoria Wilson tells CBC News said she was "itching to get back" home, but now feels a sense of trepidation.
"It's very real now," Wilson said in an interview. "I'm not sure what to expect.
"It's going to be kind of weird to go back home and ... try and have the community feel like home again."
The City of Edmonton is currently supporting Jasper evacuees.
Current stats for August 13 at 8:30 a.m.
2,582 evacuees registered
1,471 households have received assistanceFor more info, visit https://t.co/VZcTuOzcqq pic.twitter.com/ERNSReR25X
— City of Edmonton (@CityofEdmonton) August 13, 2024
Schools not ready to open ahead of new school year
All three schools in Jasper will be not ready in time for the school year as work continues to clean up wildfire damage, Alberta officials shared in a telephone town hall for residents Monday evening.
"We discovered that, unfortunately, because the heat, some of the windows were left open, and so there is a lot of certain smoke damage that needs to be cleaned out," said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
In the meantime, Jasper students will have the option of attending school in communities like Hinton, Edson, Grande Prairie, Edmonton or Calgary with online learning options being offered as a temporary measure to start the year.
Busing will be offered from Jasper to Hinton or Edson.
Corné van Hoepen
Current wildfire conditions in N.W.T.: Wildfire smoke closes Highway 1 between Northwest Territories and Alberta
Officials in Northwest Territories are warning residents to "expect extreme fire weather and high winds over the next 24 hours." This comes as much of the region is blanketed in heavy smoke from out-of-control wildfires sparked by a record-breaking Arctic heatwave.
The territory's wildfire dashboard shows there are 96 active blazes — 88 which are classified as out-of-control.
Intense wildfire smoke on Monday saw the halting of several key transportation modes, including the N'dulee ferry crossing near Wrigley, located west of Yellowknife.
Startling visible satellite imagery tonight of MANY wildfires burning in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. pic.twitter.com/n36TaMbm2v
— Collin Gross (@CollinGrossWx) August 13, 2024
"Today is an improvement. It's definitely not good, but it's definitely an improvement," said Derek Sutherland, Wrigley's senior administrative officer in an interview with CBC News.
READ MORE: Can wildfire smoke make you sick? How to stay safe amid air quality alerts, wildfire evacuations in Canada
Air quality reading for major population hubs across Northwest Territories are reading 10+ or very high risk as of Tuesday, and are forecasted to remain as such well into Wednesday.
Corné van Hoepen
National wildfire outlook map Aug 13: How many fires are currently burning in Canada?
Active fires in Canada today: 929
The map below details locations of wildfires across Canada and classified by status of:
Red = Out of Control
Yellow = Being Held
Blue = Under control
Purple = Out of Control (Monitored)
New fires today (Aug. 13): 9
Fires to date in 2024: 4,604
Area burned to date in 2024 (HA): 3.6M
Key Canada wildfire updates Tuesday:
🔥 'Extreme' fire weather expected over the next 24 hours in N.W.T.
🔥 Several hundred residents in northern B.C. are allowed to return home as officials downgrade an evacuation order.
🔥 All three schools in Jasper will be not ready in time for the school year as work continues to clean up wildfire damage.
Corné van Hoepen
Five wildfire photos you need to see today
Corné van Hoepen
Blazing Arctic temperatures feeding out-of-control fires in Canada's north
Extreme fire activity in the N.W.T. this weekend caused by high winds and hot, dry weather left much of the territory blanketed in thick wildfire smoke on Sunday.
On Sunday afternoon, N.W.T. Fire said that the next couple of days will likely bring the "most severe" fire weather of the summer so far, and that smoky conditions are expected to persist for several days. According to the province's wildfire dashboard, there are 95 active blazes across the N.W.T., 88 which are classified as out-of-control.
Meteorologists say the explosion of wildfire activity in Canada's north comes on the heels of a prolonged heatwave that shattered all-time records for the region.
The heat and dry pattern has set the stage for volatile wildfire conditions throughout the region. Some areas in the Far North are currently seeing 100,000 hectares of land being scorched per day.
Over 300,000 hectares burned in the territory between Aug. 10-11. To put that into perspective, that is 60 per cent of the entire wildfire season's average burned in one day.
Poor air quality is expected to linger across the region through the week, as well as sink into northwestern Ontario and northern Quebec.
Corné van Hoepen
National wildfire outlook map Aug 12: How many fires are currently burning in Canada?
Active fires in Canada today: 918
The map below details locations of wildfires across Canada and classified by status of:
Red = Out of Control
Yellow = Being Held
Blue = Under control
Purple = Out of Control (Monitored)
New fires today (Aug. 12): 12
Fires to date in 2024: 4,548
Area burned to date in 2024 (HA): 3.6M
Key Canada wildfire updates Monday:
🔥 Details about when and how evacuated residents of Jasper will be allowed to return to their homes nearly three weeks after a wildfire forced them to flee will be announced today.
🔥 Extreme fire activity in the N.W.T. this weekend caused by high winds and hot, dry weather left much of the territory blanketed in thick wildfire smoke.
🔥 B.C. Wildfire Service says dozens of wildfires were sparked over the weekend after a summer storm saw more than 400 lightning strikes hit the area.
🔥 Thousands gathered to bid farewell to the historic Hawaii Martin Mars, a legendary aircraft that fought wildfires in B.C. for more than 50 years.
Corné van Hoepen
Thousands gather to say goodbye to 'iconic' aircraft that played critical role in Canada's wildfire fight
Thousands gathered on Vancouver Island Sunday to witness the final landing of the historic Hawaii Martin Mars, a legendary aircraft that fought wildfires in B.C. for more than 50 years.
The massive aircraft, with a capacity to carry more than 27,000 litres of water, departed from its longtime base at Sproat Lake in Port Alberni and landed in Saanich Inlet, before heading to its new home at the B.C. Aviation Museum.
Nine Canadian Forces Snowbirds jets accompanied the water bomber on its last journey, passing over a number of communities en route to its final destination.
"It's kind of sad that it's the end of the story," said Peter Killin in an interview with CBC News. Killin was a longtime pilot who flew the Hawaii Martin Mars for the last time, along with Harbour Air's Rick Matthews, on Sunday.
Wow! 🥲
Thank you Martin Mars, what a moment in Canadian aviation history. Superb job done by all! pic.twitter.com/bgdpIRD8nG
— Clayton Cochrane (@ClayCochrane) August 12, 2024
Corné van Hoepen
Current B.C. wildfire conditions: Hundreds of weekend lightning strike spark dozens of blazes
B.C. Wildfire Service says dozens of blazes were sparked across the province after rolling storm resulted in over 400 lightning strikes over the weekend.
The number of active fires has risen dramatically, with over 400 fires currently burning in B.C. — 34 which started over the past 24-hours. Six of the fires are classified as noteworthy, down two from last week.
For current B.C. evacuation orders and alerts, click HERE.
Some positive news was shared by the agency on Saturday, according to reports by Canadian Press, with the wildfire services saying they have “achieved significant containment” along the north and southwest flanks of the Ponderosa FSR wildfire this past week.
Crews completed two planned ignitions with success in the area by removing fuels on the forest floor, reducing the risks of uncontrolled fire spreading to the south due to winds.
The province also issued an air quality advisory Saturday for most of the southern Interior and parts of northern B.C., noting these regions will be affected by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours. As of Monday, the average air quality index in the province was classified as a 4 or moderate risk.
For current air quality statements and alerts in B.C., click HERE.
The BC Wildfire Service is responding to the Mount Neptune (N52056) wildfire, located approximately 18 kilometres north of the City of Rossland and 16 kilometres southwest of the City of Castlegar. pic.twitter.com/U4wjNtl2WK
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 11, 2024
Corné van Hoepen
'We hope that this first step brings some hope': Jasper wildfire evacuees allowed to return home Friday
Three weeks since a wildfire forced a mass evacuation of Jasper National Park, thousands of people forced from their homes will be allowed to return to the town on Friday, officials shared in a press briefing Monday morning.
However, as officials shared the date, they cautioned residents that the homecoming will be the start of a daunting ordeal.
READ MORE: 'Amidst the ashes, life finds a way': Before and after Jasper wildfire photos depict extent of damage to village nestled in Canada's natural crown jewel
"It's going to be a long process if you can imagine," Parks Canada officials said during the briefing. "Going to check on your home or business or your assets, and whether you will be able to stay in it will be a 'choose your own adventure.'"
"We hope that this first step brings some hope to the community."
All residents and business owners will be allowed to enter the park starting at 7 a.m. Friday morning when Highway 16, the highway running east to west through the national park, opens for the day.
However, residents were warned that accommodations and services in the town would be limited and even the homes that weren't damaged may not be habitable.
"It's more about a reconnaissance mission almost, if you will, to go see what's there," said Christine Nadon, incident commander with the municipality of Jasper.
"You might be able to stay, but you might not. And for anyone who has a house on the west side, there's a greater chance of internal damage to the property."
Re-entry announcement for the town of Jasper
By Friday, August 16, 2024, the Incident Management Team plans to have the Re-entry Criteria met. This means Jasper will have the minimum services to be safe for residents to return.
— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) August 12, 2024
Residents can choose to move back to the community — but should not assume they will want to spend the night, even if their properties are intact, she said.
Many buildings that remain standing in the hardest hit areas of the townsite were severely damaged by the smoke and flames, she said.
A state of emergency within the municipality remains in effect. The evacuation order in effect throughout the park will likely be downgraded to an evacuation alert and residents who return need to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice if the risk of the flames flares once again, officials said.
Corné van Hoepen
National wildfire outlook map Aug 12: How many fires are currently burning in Canada?
Active fires in Canada today: 923
The map below details locations of wildfires across Canada and classified by status of:
Red = Out of Control
Yellow = Being Held
Blue = Under control
Purple = Out of Control (Monitored)
New fires today (Aug. 12): 3
Fires to date in 2024: 4,536
Area burned to date in 2024 (HA): 3.5M
Key Canada wildfire updates Monday:
🔥 Details about when and how evacuated residents of Jasper will be allowed to return to their homes nearly three weeks after a wildfire forced them to flee will be announced today.
🔥 Extreme fire activity in the N.W.T. this weekend caused by high winds and hot, dry weather left much of the territory blanketed in thick wildfire smoke.
🔥 B.C. Wildfire Service says dozens of wildfires were sparked over the weekend after a summer storm saw more than 400 lightning strikes hit the area.
🔥 Thousands gathered to bid farewell to the historic Hawaii Martin Mars, a legendary aircraft that fought wildfires in B.C. for more than 50 years.
