Southeastern Alberta so far spared from wildfires plaguing the province’s central, northern regions

As wildfires continue to rage throughout central and northern Alberta, the southern part of the province is so far being spared the same fate.

According to the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard, there are 78 active wildfires in the province as of 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Of those, 20 are classified as out of control, mainly in the areas west of Red Deer and north and west of Edmonton. The entire town of Drayton Valley was evacuated on Thursday evening.

Officials note the fires have resulted in the evacuation of roughly 3,726 individuals. There have been four State of Local Emergencies declared and one Band Council Resolution, including in:

• Lac St. Anne County
• Beaver Lake Cree Nation
• Rainbow Lake
• Brazeau County
• The Little Red River Cree Nation has declared a Band Council Resolution