The Alberta RCMP say they are continuing to ensure the safety and security of evacuated properties as many communities in northern Alberta are threatened by wildfires.
Due to these stepped-up policing operations, Mounties say the year-over-year crime statistics (May 1-24, 2022 and 2023) for evacuated communities, are significantly down. Valleyview, as an example, saw a total reduction from 239 files in 2022 to 163 files in 2023, say Alberta Mounties.
Given how little time some residents have to prepare during an evacuation, RCMP say Albertans are urged to keep their property secure, and less of a target to thieves, at all times. The Alberta RCMP say they have a series of videos outlining some very basic and effective advice to protect your property: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcKXZtPXANcruAdyWOrXnHqQ3DdG_hcd7
Police say wildfire investigators from Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism assess and investigate the origin and cause of wildfires within the province. As a fire is determined to be human caused and or suspicious, the RCMP Forestry Crimes Unit is contacted and will jointly assist their partners with the investigation, say police.
While the vast majority of these fires have been attributed to naturally occurring sources, such as lightning, say Alberta Mounties, the RCMP Forestry Crimes Unit is currently investigating 12 suspicious wildfires (January 1, 2023 to June 12, 2023) where human activity is believed to be a factor. In 2022, 21 suspicious wildfires were investigated, say RCMP, while a total of 40 were investigated in 2021.
Members of the Alberta RCMP say they are thinking of those who had to evacuate from their community, noting they understand how difficult it can be to have to leave your home. RCMP, however, would like to remind those who are still in mandatory evacuation areas to leave – as any calls for emergency services could be disrupted by road closure, fire or smoke.
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