25,000 people evacuated, state of emergency triggered in Alberta

The Canadian province of Alberta (west) declared a state of emergency on Saturday May 7, after a hundred forest fires broke out there and led some 25,000 inhabitants to leave their homes. Authorities have asked thousands more to be ready to leave at any time.

A total of 110 fires, fanned by strong winds, have been recorded, a third of which are out of control. This Canadian province, one of the largest oil producers in the world, “had a hot, dry spring and with so much kindling, it only takes a few sparks to start some really scary fires”said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

All these factors together “resulted in the unprecedented situation our province faces today”. About 122,000 hectares have burned, she said, and 20 localities have been evacuated. The state of emergency gives the provincial government “increased powers to respond to extreme situations”in particular the mobilization of additional resources and the release of emergency funds.