148 wildfires extinguished in Alberta in 2024 so far, 50 still burning

According to the minister of forestry and parks, Alberta is experiencing "heightened wildfire risk" this year, with 148 fires already extinguished and more still burning.

According to the minister of forestry and parks, Alberta is experiencing "heightened wildfire risk" this year, with 148 fires already extinguished and more still burning.

"To date in 2024, we have had more wildfire starts than we had in 2023," said Minister Todd Loewen. "All wildfires are currently being held under control or are extinguished.

"Early season hiring and increased preparedness has enabled us to come at this wildfire season very strongly."

As of Thursday, there were 50 wildfires burning in Alberta, according to Christie Tucker with Alberta Wildfire. Four of those fires are being held and the other 46 are considered under control.

The four fires being held are in "fairly remote areas" and not close to communities or highways, according to Loewen.

There were still 64 wildfires burning from last year at the start of 2024, Tucker said, and more than 500 hectares have burned since January.

"That's about 400 hectares more than we had at this time last year," Tucker said. "We're hoping for more precipitation to come, but we're prepared for what will happen if it doesn't."