05/07/2023
Danielle Smith said the province of Alberta is in a state of emergency due to the situation, which she described as “unprecedented”.
Around 25,000 people in Canada had to leave their homes due to the 103 wildfires that broke out in the western province of Alberta, where the local government declared a state of emergency this Saturday (05.06.2023).
Thousands more have been warned to be ready to leave their homes at any time. “We have declared a state of emergency” in the province to ensure “the safety, health and welfare of Albertans,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at a news conference following a meeting of her government’s Emergency Management Committee.
This Canadian province, one of the largest oil-producing regions, “has experienced a dry and hot spring, and with so much firewood, a few sparks are enough to start some really horrific wildfires,” he had previously pointed out.
“These conditions have led to the unprecedented situation our province is facing today,” he added. Smith said around 122,000 hectares have been burned so far.
Declaring the state of emergency gives the Alberta government “greater powers to respond to extreme situations,” the official said, including mobilizing additional resources and releasing emergency funds.
According to a federal fire hazard map, almost all of Alberta and much of the neighboring province of Saskatchewan and much of the Northwest Territories are at extreme risk. Federal Minister for Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair tweeted that Ottawa stands ready to provide assistance if needed.
Oil sands plants have closely monitored the hazards, but none have reported disruptions in their production.
Drayton Valley, with a population of 7,000 and about 140 kilometers west of Edmonton, was among communities evacuated as firefighters battled wildfire. About 550 kilometers north of the provincial capital, a massive fire destroyed 20 homes, a general store and a police station in Fox Lake Township. Residents were evacuated by boats and helicopters. People in the city of Edson, which has a population of more than 8,000, have also been told to “evacuate immediately”.
Western Canada has been repeatedly hit by extreme weather events in recent years, the intensity and frequency of which have increased due to global warming.
loves (afp, dpa)