Wildfire smoke blankets province as brisk winds accelerate Alberta's fire risk

As powerful shifting winds fan the flames of wildfires burning across Alberta, the fight to protect communities is becoming an increasingly unpredictable battle.

Brisk winds and punishing heat continue to escalate the risk to communities across central and northern Alberta.

On Tuesday afternoon, Alberta Wildfire information unit manager Christie Tucker said 86 wildfires are burning inside Alberta's forest protection areas, with 24 classified as out of control.

Emergency officials are cautioning that the temperamental forecast in the days ahead will escalate the risk of extreme fire behaviour and make conditions more dangerous on the ground.

Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism Minister Todd Loewen said volunteer firefighters may soon be able to be paid for their efforts.

"We understand with the lack of compensation for these volunteers (it) may create barriers as some may not be able to leave their regular jobs to join firefighting efforts or continue their selfless work," he said at a Tuesday news conference.

He said the province will help municipalities, First Nations and Métis settlements to cover the costs. The communities will pay, and then submit claims to the government to be reimbursed.

"Where possible, Alberta will use existing disaster assistance programs to reimburse local authorities for volunteer firefighter compensation," Loewen said. 

Strong winds have brought thick smoke from the wildfires further south, blanketing communities including Edmonton and Calgary. As of Monday, as the smoke pollution spread across Alberta and beyond, special air quality statements had been issued for much of the province. 

The smoke, however, isn't always an indication that a fire nearby is more active, according to Tucker.

"Smoke has actually offered some help to create cooler conditions in some areas and so far today our wildfires have been slightly less active than anticipated," she said.

"We're seeing a continuation of gusty northwest winds today that will continue to affect smoke movement in the province. Under these conditions we did see some growth on a number of wildfires yesterday, particularly in the areas north and west of Edmonton, and it's been keeping firefighters hard at work."

In some communities, including Drayton Valley, Edson and Grande Prairie, the air quality was so poor it was classified as a 10 or above on the air quality health index, the highest level of risk for air pollution.

Around 19,500 people have been forced from their homes, according to officials who spoke Tuesday. Military officials who briefed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said at least 36 communities were under threat from the flames.