A burnt metal sign hangs from a tree, damaged by recent wildfires, in Drayton Valley Alta., on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. (Photo: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)

By The Canadian Press

Drying conditions return in Alberta, crews see more intense fire activity

May 27, 2023 | 11:25 PM

As more wildfire evacuees are being allowed to return home in Alberta, provincial officials warn that warm, dry conditions are returning this weekend in some areas.

Melissa Story with Alberta Wildfire says the elevated fire conditions were anticipated and that crews on the ground are seeing more intense fire activity on the perimeters of wildfires.

But she says most fires haven’t grown substantially and she doesn’t believe any have jumped their containment lines.

The number of evacuees as of Saturday afternoon, May 27, 2023, stood at 5,257, down from over 7,200 on Wednesday, following cooler and wetter conditions in the last week.

Nearly 50 wildfires in Alberta’s forest protection area are burning, with 14 of those listed as out-of-control.

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Cyndee Evans, executive director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, says the situation remains serious despite recent positive news.