Wave of new wildfires pops up in northwest Alberta as heat warning is issued for region

Wave of new wildfires pops up in northwest Alberta as heat warning is issued for region

Environment Canada says highs of 31 C expected

A heat wave is hitting northwestern Alberta as multiple new wildfires break out in the area.

Environment Canada issued a heat warning on Wednesday morning for the northwest corner of the province, cautioning that temperatures are expected to reach potential highs of 31 C.

The agency is urging residents in Mackenzie County — located about 750 kilometres northwest of Edmonton — and people living in the northern area of the County of Northern Lights to take action to prepare for the extreme heat.

Meanwhile, in northeastern Mackenzie County, multiple out-of-control wildfires were detected Tuesday and Wednesday, according to online data from Alberta Wildfire.

Environment Canada meteorologist Julien Corriveau said the northern heat wave is being caused by an “abnormally large ridge of high pressure” that is also causing heat warnings in the Northwest Territories and parts of Nunavut.

“The heat will continue until, at least through the weekend. It doesn’t look like it really lets up until maybe next week,” Corriveau said.

This hot weather in northwest Alberta is being accompanied by a wave of new wildfires.

Alberta Wildfire provincial information officer Melissa Story told CBC News on Wednesday that “14 new wildfire starts” in Mackenzie County were caused by a lightning storm on Tuesday afternoon.

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As of Wednesday afternoon, five of those new fires were listed as “out of control,” according to data from the province. The largest of these wildfires is estimated to be over 11 hectares.

However, Story said several fires have already been extinguished.

Environment Canada is forecasting a risk of thunderstorms Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon for the area surrounding the town of High Level.

Story said Alberta Wildfire continues to monitor the potential storms closely.

“We’ve got crews that are on patrol. They’re watching for any [smoke] ... in that area and will be quick to respond,” Story said.

Meanwhile, the town of High Level, located in the centre of Mackenzie County, is advising residents to stay informed about the weather.

High Level deputy fire chief Scott Smith said the most important thing people can do is to stay hydrated and check on family members, friends and neighbours.

Smith also said anyone with a campfire should make sure a water source is nearby and advised residents to report any dangerous fire activity.

Story said the community of High Level currently has a "very high" fire danger rating.

Eagle Andersen is a reporter for CBC News in Grande Prairie. He previously worked as an associate producer for CBC News in Kamloops, B.C. You can reach him at eagle.andersen@cbc.ca.