Article – Forest fires are forcing hundreds of Alberta residents from their homes, just as many communities were beginning to hope for a reprieve from last year’s devastating wildfire season.
Emergency officials issued evacuation orders yesterday for rural areas southwest of Grande Prairie after a wildfire that had been smoldering underground since last year suddenly erupted amid warm, dry conditions. The blaze, now classified as out of control, has grown to approximately 55 hectares according to Alberta Wildfire.
“We were just starting to rebuild after last season, and now this,” said Martin Thériault, owner of a small cabin rental business near Nose Creek. “My neighbor called me at work saying, ‘Get home now, we might need to leave.'”
The County of Grande Prairie declared a state of local emergency Wednesday afternoon, with officials going door-to-door to ensure residents in the affected areas were aware of the evacuation order. Approximately 230 people have been forced to leave their homes so far.
Alberta Wildfire information officer Josée St-Onge explained the unusual nature of this particular blaze. “This fire actually overwintered underground, something we call a ‘holdover fire.’ With the right conditions – warm temperatures, low humidity, and wind – these fires can reignite and spread rapidly.”
The news comes as a psychological blow to many Albertans still processing the trauma of last year’s record-breaking wildfire season. In 2023, over 2.2 million hectares burned across the province – an area roughly the size of El Salvador – displacing thousands and causing billions in damage.
Climate experts have pointed to this early-season activity as yet another warning sign. Dr. Karen MacLean, an environmental scientist at the University of Alberta, says these conditions are becoming more common.
“What we’re seeing is consistent with climate change predictions for western Canada – earlier spring melt, extended dry periods, and more volatile fire behavior,” she told me when I reached her by phone. “Communities need to prepare for this as the new normal.”
The evacuation zone includes areas south of Highway 40, with residents being directed to register at a reception centre established at the Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie. For many evacuees, this process carries a painful sense of déjà vu.
Sarah Kozak, who evacuated with her husband and two children, described the emotional toll. “We just finished replacing our roof from smoke damage last summer. The kids are asking if we’re going to lose our home this time. How do you answer that?”
Provincial resources have been mobilized to combat the blaze, including four air tankers, multiple helicopters, and 22 firefighters. However, persistent dry and windy conditions are hampering efforts to contain the fire.
The Grande Prairie region has seen less than half its normal precipitation this spring, creating tinder-dry forest conditions. Environment Canada forecasts show no significant rainfall expected in the coming week.
Municipal leaders are emphasizing that preparation has improved since last year’s emergencies. “We’ve strengthened our emergency response protocols based on last year’s experiences,” said County Reeve Bob Marshall. “Our priority is ensuring everyone’s safety while our crews work to protect structures and critical infrastructure.”
For Indigenous communities in the region, the fires represent both immediate danger and deeper concerns about traditional lands. Elder Joseph Whitecalf of the Horse Lake First Nation noted that cultural sites and traditional hunting grounds are under threat.
“These aren’t just trees burning. This is our history, our medicine, our way of life,” Whitecalf said. “Each time these fires come through, something of our heritage is lost.”
Provincial funding for wildfire preparedness increased by $87 million this year following last season’s devastation, but critics argue it isn’t enough given the escalating risks. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees has called for further investments in frontline firefighting resources and prevention programs.
