Drayton Valley

Light rainfall and cooler temperatures slowed down wildfire activity in Alberta over the long weekend and more rain that's in the forecast may help firefighters catch a breath during a record-breaking season of fires.

The mayor of a west-central Alberta town said it was emotional to return home nearly two weeks after an out-of-control wildfire forced residents to flee, but thousands elsewhere remain on edge as scores of fires continue to rage across much of the West.

The Alberta government promised financial aid on Monday, May 8, 2023, to people forced from their homes by wildfires that continue to threaten many areas of the province.

Cooler temperatures and a bit of rain were delivering some relief for firefighters as they continued to battle wildfires threatening communities in central northern Alberta, but provincial officials warned the reprieve was only in some areas and lightning was sparking some new blazes.

Alberta's environment minister has cancelled public information sessions about proposed new parks in a region known as Bighorn Country, citing "bullying" and "abuse" which she says make it impossible to guarantee people's safety.