Wildfires in northern Alberta have devastated the remote community of Chipewyan Lake, destroying nearly half of its buildings. As residents are allowed to return home in other areas, many in Chipewyan Lake are facing the grim reality that their homes have been lost to the flames.

The wildfire swept through the community last week, just hours after an evacuation order was issued. Located about 450 kilometers north of Edmonton, Chipewyan Lake has been one of the hardest-hit areas in Alberta during this severe wildfire season. Local emergency management officials reported that close to 50% of the community's infrastructure has been damaged.

Aerial assessments revealed that 38 structures and nine sheds were completely destroyed, with an additional 10 buildings sustaining damage. Only 38 structures appear to be intact. Marcel Auger, reeve of the municipal district, stated, "The information is still not 100 percent accurate until we have a boots-on-the-ground assessment completed." He emphasized the need for thorough evaluations and a significant cleanup effort.

Among the critical buildings lost are the Bigstone Health Centre, a local church, and the community's water treatment plant. An aerial map showed that the flames breached the community's only entrance road, devastating the heart of the town.

On May 29, a wall of flames engulfed the area, temporarily trapping eight firefighters overnight due to failed dispatch radios. The firefighters took shelter in a local school and fire hall until a rescue crew could clear a path through the fallen trees.

Andy Alook, chief of Bigstone Cree Nation, which includes Chipewyan Lake, expressed commitment to rebuilding efforts. "Our governments are committed to rebuilding the community of Chipewyan Lake," Alook said in a Tuesday update to evacuees. He noted that they are lobbying both federal and provincial governments for support.

Efforts are underway to secure temporary housing solutions in Wabasca, with discussions about permanent housing in Chipewyan Lake. The wildfire threatening the community has consumed over 132,170 hectares and remains out of control. This fire is part of a complex of four wildfires in the region, prompting ongoing evacuation orders in nearby communities, including Red Earth Creek and Loon River First Nation.

As of Thursday morning, 52 wildfires were active across Alberta, with 21 classified as out of control. Eight of these fires pose a current threat to nearby communities or critical infrastructure. Although cooler temperatures have aided firefighting efforts, the risk of wildfires remains extreme in many areas.

In Swan Hills, evacuation orders were downgraded, allowing 1,300 residents to return home after more than a week. However, they must remain prepared to evacuate again on short notice due to a wildfire burning nearby.

The situation remains critical, with around 4,000 Albertans having been forced to evacuate their homes, and thousands more on alert to leave at a moment's notice.