Global Courant 2023-05-22 01:04:02
STORY: EDITORS ATTENTION: EDIT CONTAINS WORD OF GOD
Authorities hope cooler temperatures and rain showers forecast for the coming week will help firefighters fight fires in the oil-rich Canadian province, though storms could complicate efforts.
Amid hot, dry conditions, forecasters were tracking a front likely to move into the province on Sunday that should bring much-needed relief, including humidity and even rain, Christie Tucker, information unit manager at Alberta Wildfire, said at a briefing on Saturday. .
Authorities closed some Alberta parks and campgrounds over the Victoria Day weekend.
During the holiday weekend, when residents traditionally go camping or enjoy other outdoor activities, seasonal wildfires tend to increase, some of which are accidentally started by humans.
Canada’s wildfires have sent smoke into US states including Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Utah, Washington and Colorado, triggering air quality alerts in some places.
More than 2,800 firefighters from Canada and the United States battled about 91 active wildfires on Saturday.
The wildfires have tested Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s disaster management skills ahead of provincial elections on May 29.
