Here are the latest developments in the Alberta wildfires

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says up to half of the buildings in Jasper may have been burned after wildfires swept through the evacuated community.

Here are the latest developments on the wildfire situation in Alberta (all times are MT):

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10:13 p.m.

Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.

A statement from the park Thursday night says up to 15 millimetres of rain has fallen in the area since midnight, leading to minimal fire spread.

Keeping It Cool: Week 5

Shoppers Drug Mart in Humboldt was recently nominated for the 'Keeping it Cool' initiative, an exciting program brought to you by 107.5 Bolt FM and Sobeys throughout the summer. This nomination led to a delightful surprise for the store and its team, who were treated to a delivery of cool treats that brought smiles all around.

Fire ban for resort village of Manitou Beach

Administration from the resort village of Manitou Beach has announced an immediate fire ban for the community. No fire pits or outdoor burning of any kind is permitted. 

The village has asked that people who have outdoor water hoses leave them connected and ready for use if needed.

The fire ban comes as the Saskatchewan Public Safety agency indicates that much of the southern part of the province has been placed in the extreme category under the current fire weather index. 

Weekend Update: Tim Hus and Jolie Blue hit the stage for a summer event in Watson

In the tradition of cowboy storytelling greats like Stompin’ Tom and Ian Tyson comes cowboy crooner Tim Hus. Tim will be making a return trip to Watson at the Legion Hall on Friday, July 26 for another great show, this one featuring Saskatchewan favourite Jolie Blue. 

For Hus and his incredibly well-crafted vignettes of people and places, it’s about preserving western culture, in the same fashion as Wilf Carter did. History is a big part of it. 

Rural libraries getting set for Internet speed boost

Nearly 200 public libraries in the province are set to see significant boosts to their in-house Internet speeds. A release from the province outlines the work being done on existing Community Net (CNet) fibre networks, allowing for a minimum speed of 50 megabit per second (Mbps) providing better access and more research tools for library users.  

Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta’s request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.

The park's social media account says the fire has caused significant loss within the townsite, but the specific locations or neighbourhoods affected are not being reported.

On the social media platform X, the account for Fairmont's Jasper Park Lodge says the flames have reached the hotel's grounds, but the extent of damage, if any, is not yet known.

Heavyweight battle between Roughriders and Alouettes missing some key players

 

It will be a battle of the best of the west against the beasts of the east tonight in the Canadian Football League when the Saskatchewan Roughriders meet the Montreal Alouettes.  

Both teams sit atop of their respective divisions at 5-1, but the two squads will be dealing with significant injuries this week.  

City preparing for upcoming municipal election

The province will soon be in election mode as both provincial and municipal elections are slated for this fall. At its regular meeting on Monday, July 22, Humboldt City Council received a report about preparations for the Municipal Election in Humboldt scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024.  

As it has been for the past two election cycles, Michael Ulriksen with the City will serve as the returning officer.  

Explore Saskatchewan's natural wonders this summer

Looking for a destination for your summer vacation? Look no further than your own backyard. Summer in Saskatchewan opens up a staggering variety of places to visit and explore. 

Among the most popular destinations in the province is the numerous provincial, regional and nation parks that are within our borders says Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Tourism Saskatchewan, Amy McInnis.