News

Update as of 5:17am Alberta 511 are reporting highway 63 has been partially reopened to Traffic in both directions. Expect delays in the area due to heavy smoke. FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta —Travelers are advised to check the status of local highways before heading out. Wildfires burning near Highway 63 and Highway 881 are rapidly changing […]

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— Firefighters are not expected to get a break as the province warns of ongoing intense fire activity. Alberta Wildfire has issued an extreme fire behavior advisory as the extended heat has rendered the forest tinder dry. Adding to concerns, specialized fire-weather forecasters say a cold front is expected to sweep through the […]

The ongoing heatwave is putting stress on community organizations. Woods Homes, the agency that runs Stepping Stones Youth Services, says they are in desperate need of supplies for their clients. Bjorne Johansson, CEO of Woods Homes says people living without shelter are 200 times more likely to die during extreme heat than those with shelter. […]

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has officially opened the FireSmart Interpretive Trail. The pathway showcases FireSmart practices in construction and landscaping, including interpretive signs, demonstration panels, and displays. It also provides information on the ecology of the boreal forest and includes an observation deck with views of the Birchwood Trails. The trail also […]

Updated July 12 2024 – 7:30pm The large cluster of fires near the Firebag River, known collectively as the Cattail Complex and managed under MCX002, remains a critical concern. Triggered by lightning strikes, the fires have collectively spread to an estimated 67,000 hectares, with the largest fire, MWF047, classified as out of control. Despite recent […]

Alberta Wildfire Confirms Algar Fire Complex Origin Update: 9:20 p.m. July 11, 2024 Fire MWF-069, the largest fire within the Algar Wildfire Complex, has grown to 9,000 hectares in size; approximately half the size of fire MWF-017 which forced the evacuation of parts of Fort McMurray in May. Alberta 511 reports smoke is still affecting […]

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo’s Ukrainian community is calling on the world to take action after a deadly bombing this week in Kyiv. On Monday, missiles rained down on a children’s hospital in the capital city of Ukraine, killing nearly 50 civilians and wounding hundreds. Devon Sereda Goldie, spokesperson for the group, says the community needed […]

For residents looking to escape the heat by heading to Gregoire Lake, caution is still needed due to blue-green algae. Jack Pang, Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services North Zone, says the water-quality advisory for Gregoire Lake remains in place until further notice. The advisory was first issued on June 6, 2024, after […]

The Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA) is bringing in a renowned speaker for their upcoming Annual General Meeting.  Dr. Ken Coates will be the organization’s guest and keynote speaker for their September 19th meeting at Shell Place. Dr. Coates is one of Canada’s foremost authorities on the challenges and opportunities facing the nation. His […]

Keyano College is building a new Indigenous Student Centre downtown. The new space will be located in what is currently the Syncrude Technology Centre on the Northeast side of their Clearwater Campus. Once completed, students can attend ceremonies in the centre, meet with the Elder-in-residence, take part in communal cooking, and view Indigenous art and […]