The hot conditions resulting from the heatwave sweeping through western Canada pose difficult challenges for firefighters in northern Alberta on Tuesday.

Warnings about the risk of wildfires spread throughout Alberta over the weekend with extreme temperatures and uncontrolled fires in the northern areas of the province.

The wildfire risk level in the Fort McMurray forest area has increased, as at least one fire continues to spread uncontrollably.

Alberta Wildfire stated in a Tuesday morning update, "Today and the next few days are expected to pose challenges to our operational efforts."

Intersecting conditions are expected - when humidity is lower than the temperature - indicating severe fire behavior.

No evacuation orders have been announced as of 10 AM on Tuesday.

Forest fire officials expect southwesterly winds at speeds of 15 km/h, with winds expected to shift southward in the afternoon at 20 km/h.

Temperatures in northern Alberta are expected to reach between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, continuing at least until the middle of the week, according to the Canadian Environment and Climate Change Agency.

The temperature is expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius in the Fort McMurray forest area on Tuesday.

The uncontrolled Cattail Lake fire is located about eight kilometers northeast of industrial facilities and approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Fort Mackay, and 70 kilometers northeast of Fort McMurray. It covers about 14,000 hectares.

As of Tuesday morning, 195 personnel were working on fire suppression in the area, including 89 firefighters, 17 helicopters supporting dozer operations, and 36 heavy equipment crews working in day and night operations.

Minimal fire behavior was observed on Monday, due to smoke from the wildfires and another at a high level. The smoke increased humidity, significantly helping to slow the spread of wildfires.

Oil Sands Precautions

Cenovus Energy announced on Monday that it would lay off some employees at the Sunrise oil sands project as a precaution due to the evolving wildfire situation. The Sunrise facility, which produced about 49,000 barrels per day last year, is located about 60 kilometers northeast of Fort McMurray.

Cenovus stated that its operations have not been affected, but those employees not directly involved in the operations at Sunrise are being laid off.

Cenovus said in a statement, "We are in close contact with regional and municipal agencies and support their efforts in the area."

Last week, Suncor Energy closed the Firebag oil sands site with a capacity of 215,000 barrels per day and reduced some production due to the wildfires.

Extreme Wildfire Risk

On Tuesday, the wildfire risk in the Edson forest area was classified as high. Alberta Wildfire reported that the forest fuels are dry, and the fire risk is serious, with conditions likely to make firefighting efforts difficult.

As of Monday, the wildfire risk level in the High Level, Alta area was classified as extreme.

Communities have been warned about thick smoke, as firefighters continue to battle 39 active fires in the region, including 10 that are out of control.

One of the wildfires is along the shared border with British Columbia, and another along the shared border with Northwest Columbia.

The size of the largest wildfire in the Simo complex is estimated at about 19,000 hectares as of Tuesday. It is believed to be caused by lightning and is out of control. Alberta Wildfire reported that the fire does not currently pose a threat to any community.

The wildfire complex is being managed by an incident management team. More resources will arrive in the coming days.

There are 113 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters, and 18 heavy equipment crews assigned to the complex.

A wildfire alert was issued by the Little Red River Cree Nation after 1 PM for the Garden River community.

The alert is also still in effect for everyone in the Chateh community and areas to the west and southwest.