Fewer wildfires in Alberta Friday, but more expected to spark over the weekend

While the number of active wildfires in Alberta dropped from 82 Thursday to 74 Friday, officials expect that number to grow over the weekend and they're urging affected Albertans to be ready to leave for longer.

While the number of active wildfires in Alberta dropped from 82 Thursday to 74 Friday, officials expect that number to grow over the weekend and they're urging affected Albertans to be ready to leave for longer.

"We remain in an extremely volatile situation and the risk of new wildfires remains significant in much of the province," said Colin Blair, Alberta Emergency Management Agency executive director.

Three more wildfires were classified as out of control, up from Thursday's 20, and hot, dry weather is expected to increase fire activity across Alberta.

"Our teams on the ground have been working hard to prepare for more challenging conditions," said Josee St-Onge, Alberta Wildfire information officer. "Firefighters have been building fire breaks around communities and making use of firefighters coming in from outside the province.

"The wildfire danger is expected to grow in the coming days."

So far in Alberta this year, 435 wildfires have burned nearly 445,000 hectares.

Residents under an evacuation order or watch are now asked to pack enough essentials to be away from home for seven days. That number was previously three days.