The western Canadian province of Alberta declared a state of emergency on Saturday after around 100 wildfires broke out there and around 25,000 residents were displaced from their homes, an “unprecedented” situation,” announced the province’s premier.
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Authorities have urged thousands more to be ready to leave at any time.
“We have declared a state of emergency in the province to protect the safety, health and welfare of Alberta residents,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at a news conference.
Tankers fly in to help fight wildfire near Evansburg, Alberta. The fire currently has an area of 6,000 hectares. There are several fires in Alberta, including ones outside of Fort McMurray.
In 2016, 90,000 people in the same area were evacuated due to a massive wildfire.
🙏to the subscriber for that 📷 pic.twitter.com/uzJeKnd99a– The Hotshot wakes up (@HotshotWake) May 4, 2023
This Canadian province, one of the world’s biggest oil producers, which has seen 103 wildfires break out in the past few days, “has had a hot and dry spring and with so much kindling, it only takes a few sparks to start really scary fires.” Ms. Smith previously explained.
All of these factors together “have led to the unprecedented situation our province is facing today.”
About 122,000 hectares burned down, she said, and 20 towns were evacuated.
The state of emergency gives the provincial government “increased powers to respond to extreme situations,” Ms Smith said, including mobilizing additional resources and releasing emergency funds.
Good morning from Canada. Here’s a view of the fire near Edson, Alberta. She jumped right over that river.
Thank you to the subscriber who sent this amazing footage.🙏🍻
A new podcast is out this morning discussing this and more. Available for everyone. #wildfire pic.twitter.com/95XHeTN8uJ
– The Hotshot wakes up (@HotshotWake) May 6, 2023
According to the federal government, Alberta – in the middle of the election campaign – and a large part of the neighboring province of Saskatchewan as well as a large part of the Northwest Territories are currently exposed to an extreme risk of fire.
Drayton Valley, a town of 7,000 in Alberta about 140 kilometers west of Edmonton, is among the evacuated communities.
In Fox Lake, northern Alberta, a major fire destroyed 20 homes, a store and a police station. Residents were evacuated by boats and helicopters.