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Update 35: Alberta wildfire situation (June 7, 4:30 p.m.)

Press Release

Jun 07, 2023

Current situation

  • The Municipal District of Opportunity has lifted its evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake as of June 7. Re-entry began at noon.
  • Re-entry continues for the community of Chateh. Information is available at denetha.ca.
  • Re-entry continues for the town of Rainbow Lake. Information is available at rainbowlake.ca.
  • An evacuation order remains in effect for the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, Mikisew First Nation (Allison Bay, Dog Head and Devils Gate), Fort Chipewyan Metis Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Parts of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remain under evacuation order. View the full list of evacuation orders.
  • An evacuation alert is in effect for Saddle Hills County (White Mountain area) as of June 6 at 4:02 p.m.
  • Support continues to be available to Albertans 24-7. Visit alberta.ca/emergency or call 310-4455.
  • Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
  • Albertans are asked to do their part to prevent new wildfires by respecting fire bans or restrictions in their areas. Visit albertafirebans.ca for details.
  • Special air quality statements remain in effect in the north and heat warnings are in effect in the south – which will expand by the end of this week. Keep up to date on special air quality statements and advisories. Visit airquality.alberta.ca to find out the level of health risk associated with your local air quality.
  • Number of evacuation orders: 3
  • Alberta Emergency Alerts: 2 orders and 1 alert
  • Number of evacuees: 3,600
  • Alberta currently has approximately 2,800 personnel working on wildfires. This includes support from partner agencies across Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.

Support for evacuees

  • Those evacuated due to wildfires should register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.
  • Since the announcement of one-time emergency financial assistance for evacuees, more than 17,700 applications have been processed.
  • More than $21.4 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees.
  • More than $9.2 million in debit cards has been distributed.
  • Evacuees who are unable to receive an e-transfer or who cannot apply online can contact 310-4455 for assistance and to make alternate payment arrangements.
  • The Alberta Supports Centre in Fort McMurray has extended hours to support families and individuals evacuated due to the wildfire near Fort Chipewyan. A temporary evacuee debit card distribution site has been set up at MacDonald Island Park in Fort McMurray.

Donations

  • Albertans who wish to help can make cash donations through the Canadian Red Cross or within their regions to a recognized charitable organization of their choice.
  • The Canadian Red Cross is launching an Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations program to deliver urgent and ongoing support for people affected by wildfires across Alberta.
  • Eligible community organizations providing immediate relief assistance may apply for $5,000 in one-time funding. View full program eligibility criteria.

For more information on the emergency and supports for evacuees, go to alberta.ca/emergency.

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