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Alberta Wild Fires Monitored With Earth Observation Satellites

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Several large wildfires raged in northern Alberta, Canada. The fires forced some energy and transportation companies to suspend operations. Multiple petroleum companies suspended drilling in the region and moved their employees to safety.

Tan and gray smoke spanned hundreds of kilometers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories, Canada. The Alberta government reported 116 fires burning in the province, 34 of which were out of control.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Earth Observation Applications and Utilizations division (EOAU) shows you today satellites images of the disasters areas taken by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua. Fire detections are outlined in red. Strong winds fanned the fires on May 15 and 16, pulling thick plumes of smoke north.

May 16, 2011 - Northern Alberta, Canada
Sensor: MODIS/AQUA (Credit: NASA)

May 15, 2011 - Northern Alberta, Canada
Sensor: MODIS/AQUA (Credit: NASA)