Rainfall could be 'turning point' in battle against Alberta wildfires, official says

A deluge of rainfall in Western Canada is an opportunity to make real progress in fighting Alberta's wildfires, an official said Monday. 

There are 81 wildfires in forest protection areas, with 23 considered out of control. More than 945,000 hectares have burned and more than 10,000 Albertans remain under evacuation orders.

At a news conference, Alberta Wildfire information unit manager Christie Tucker reiterated what an extraordinary wildfire season this has been — the most active spring on record, surpassing the last set in 2019 when 615,000 hectares burned.

"I know we're all relieved to see some rain today and we hope for more to come," Tucker said.

"This could be a turning point for the firefighters working out there on the fires."

Tucker said the majority of large-scale wildfires have received some rain by varying degrees since Sunday. The benefits are multifold: cooler temperatures, additional humidity and more moisture in vegetation will all have a positive impact on firefighting efforts.

But Tucker qualified that this is a long-term project.

"Many fires of this size will certainly not be extinguished after a few days of rain."

Tucker said there are nearly 2,900 firefighters from 17 agencies involved, plus many more from municipal and county emergency services.

Another 100 Canadian soldiers have also joined the fight, bringing the size of the army contingent to 400.

Rainfall warning

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a warning Monday morning for a large swathe of western Alberta, stating that rainfall with total amounts of 50 to 75 millimetres is expected by mid-week. 

Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with ECCC, said in an interview Monday morning the province has been dominated by an upper ridge causing warmer temperatures. 

A trough of low pressure is now moving from the Pacific through British Columbia while embedded moisture comes up from the United States. Proctor said an upper-level low — colder air — will form in the atmosphere around the B.C. Peace River area.

He said communities west of Peace River and west of Grande Prairie are now beginning to see some shower activity.

"It is coming. It's probably a little slower than we were initially forecasting, but it definitely is on the way."

Thunderstorms are a possibility in certain areas, Proctor said. On Monday afternoon, a severe thunderstorm watch was issued in the County of Stettler near Big Valley.

Alberta Wildfire has monitoring equipment to respond to any strikes and check for lightning-caused fire.

Proctor warned that the heavy rainfall could bring its own dangers — rising streams and debris flows from burnt areas where vegetation no longer exists to absorb moisture.

"It can run off faster and that often trends with fairly difficult conditions to drive in, difficult conditions for the wildfire fighters that are out there trying to fight those fires."

Smoke and air quality

A special air quality statement remains over most of Alberta as smoke continues to cause poor air quality and reduce visibility. 

In Edmonton, the air quality health index was set at nine — very high risk — as of late Monday afternoon, although earlier in the day dipped as low as six.

Tucker said she could not predict when that smoke will lift completely but noted that some had alleviated in some areas. 

As part of the special air quality statement, Environment and Climate Change Canada said people with lung disease or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

The agency advises people to wear a well-fitted respirator-type mask if they must go outside to prevent inhaling fine particles in smoke.