Crews busy as wildfires hit southwest Alberta
Emergency crews continue to fight multiple wildfires in southwest Alberta, including one over 100 hectares in size near Rocky Mountain House.
Wildfire information officer Derrick Forsythe says the battle is getting bigger as the weather stays hot and dry.
"As of this morning, we've got four helicopters on the way, 24 firefighters and the air tankers are making an assessment as to whether they can drop water on it with all the smoke that's up there," Forsythe said.
The fire is just one burning out of control in the area. A nearby wildfire to the west is smaller, but still poses a danger, Forsythe told CTV News.
The fire near Lac Des Arc that erupted over supper hour Friday is now listed as being held.
"We were on it as quickly as we could get to it and crews have worked hard last night and early this morning," Forsythe said. "The helicopters that are on the way there are likely going to be bucketing to just cool the edges of the fire...until we get the crews up there and they can start working around it."
That fire, which at one point was sending smoke into the eastbound lanes of Hwy. 1, covered roughly 10 hectares.
No structures have been damaged in any of the three wildfires. Crews are continuing to investigate their cause.
There are currently 58 wildfires burning throughout Alberta and multiple fire bans.
Due to the wildfires, the City of Calgary was under an air quality advisory Sunday. The advisory was sitting on the low risk end of the scale, but could move up to a moderate risk level, depending on winds and the fires.
For information about which areas are impacted, visit Alberta Wildfire's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.