Algae blooms force kayaks off Minnedosa Lake
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CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Current heat wave is raising wildfire danger to extreme levels in parts of Alberta
Social Sharing After a relatively temperate start to the summer in Alberta, the current heat wave the province is experiencing is now creating ideal conditions for wildfires to start and spread in parts of the province. The vast majority of Alberta is currently under a heat warning from Environment Canada, which said that most areas can expect daytime high temperatures near 30 C. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Figures from Environment Canada showed daily temperature records were broken in five regions in northern Alberta, including the areas around Fort Chipewyan, High Level, Mildred Lake, Red Earth Creek and Slave Lake. The Alberta Wildfire forecast indicates that most of northern Alberta could experience temperatures as high as 33 C on Friday. The extreme heat is increasing the risk of wildfires to dangerous levels in a significant portion of the province. Currently, the bulk of northern and eastern Alberta is classified as extreme or high risk for fire danger, according to data from Natural Resources Canada. Alberta Wildfire statistics show that 56 wildfires are burning across the province, with 13 considered out of control. In the forested area around Lac La Biche, Alta., located about 220 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, Alberta Wildfire has upgraded the wildfire danger to extreme on Thursday. In a wildfire update, Alberta Wildfire said continued high temperatures, dry conditions, increased winds, and recent lightning have created ideal conditions for wildfires to start and spread easily in the Lac La Biche forest area. There are currently 20 active wildfires burning in the forest area, with six new wildfires reported just on Thursday, according to Alberta Wildfire. Five of the region's wildfires are considered out of control. Another grouping of eight major out-of-control wildfires is also burning around the community of Chipewyan Lake, which is about 450 kilometres north of Edmonton. The community is currently under an evacuation order, according to Alberta Wildfire. Alberta Wildfire said firefighters are monitoring the wildfires near Chipewyan Lake and extinguishing hotspots, but fire activity in the area is expected to increase in the coming days due to very hot temperatures. Due to these hot and dry conditions, most of eastern and northeast Alberta is currently under some level of fire ban, restriction, or notice. Currently, a full fire ban has been declared for Athabasca County and Lac La Biche County. Environment Canada said the heat warning over most of the province will end later this weekend as daytime high temperatures are expected to drop to mid-20 C range.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Free trial of satellite-to text service will make back country more accessible to everyday people: expert
A free satellite-to-mobile text service is available to all Canadians – on all mobile carriers – through a beta trial that runs until October. Rogers Communications Inc. announced the new satellite text service last month as part of its partnership with SpaceX and Lynk Global, which will eventually deliver full satellite-to-phone coverage across apps, data and voice service. The service uses SpaceX's Starlink low-earth orbit satellites and Rogers' national wireless spectrum, allowing mobile phones to connect in areas without cell service and stay connected in remote locations and along rural roads. Brian Carriere, President of Search and Rescue Alberta, told CTV News Edmonton that the biggest advantage is making text on your phone more accessible while out in remote locations. 'The easier it is to access, the easier it is for everyday people to use it instead of just adventurers that can afford extra equipment,' Carriere said in a phone interview on Thursday. 'You're only carrying one device and it doesn't require specialized subscriptions, which many of the devices that are used for back country safety do.' He added that cell coverage is 'really limited' to major cities and roads in Alberta. Access to the technology can help with emergency rescue – making it easier for rescuers to locate and narrow searches – and it can help people avoid danger by staying informed on weather and disaster conditions, according to Carriere. 'We also use that same technology to provide medical consultations or directions for keeping (people) safe.' Carriere said it is a good idea to have a trip plan which outlines your route, schedule, anticipated risks and expected return time. 'When we start searching right away, we find people in much better shape, uninjured and in better condition because they filed a plan,' he explained. 'Technology alone will not solve your problem.' The technology also includes text-to-911 capability, which Carriere adds is key in an emergency. 'Phone, texts or sending someone out to call 911 for you, these all work.' On the Rogers website, it said some smartphones have features that are 'satellite optimized' and other devices do not. The company said it was working to 'enable satellite service on both optimized and unoptimized devices' by working with various phone manufacturers. Registration for the beta trial is offered online directly with Rogers. Apple also offers a similar and complimentary satellite feature, which iPhone users will be prompted to connect to when Rogers Satellite is not available. With the satellite text technology, you can send messages and texts without access to wi-fi or cellular coverage, according to Apple. Instructions on how to connect are listed on their support page. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson and The Canadian Press
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
ADVERTISEMENT Winnipeg Watch Manitoba weather update – Aug. 1 Colleen Bready has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for August 1, 2025.
Winnipeg Watch Colleen Bready has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for August 1, 2025.
