The western Canadian province of Alberta declared a state of emergency on Saturday after around 100 forest fires broke out there and drove some 25,000 residents from their homes, an “unprecedented” situation. “, announced the premier of the province.
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Authorities have asked thousands more to be ready to leave at any time.
“We have declared a provincial state of emergency to preserve the safety, health and well-being of Albertans,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at a press conference.
This Canadian province, one of the largest oil producers in the world, and where 103 forest fires have broken out in recent days, “had a hot and dry spring and with so much kindling, all it takes is a few sparks to start really scary fires,” Ms.me Smith.
All of these factors together “have 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”, Ms.me Smith, including the mobilization of additional resources and the release of emergency funds.
Alberta – in the midst of an election – and a large area of the neighboring province of Saskatchewan as well as much of the Northwest Territories are currently facing an extreme risk of fires, according to the federal government.
Drayton Valley, a town of 7,000 people in Alberta about 140 km west of Edmonton, is among the evacuated communities.
In Fox Lake, northern Alberta, a massive fire destroyed 20 homes, a store and a police station. Residents were evacuated by boat and helicopter.