The western Canadian province of Alberta declared a state of emergency on Saturday (May 6) after around 100 forest fires broke out there and led some 25,000 residents to leave their homes. home, situation ” unprecedented “announced the Premier of the province.
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.
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“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.
An “unprecedented situation”
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”, previously explained Danielle Smith. All these factors combined “resulted in the unprecedented situation our province faces today”.
About 122,000 hectares have burned, she said, and 20 localities have been evacuated.
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The state of emergency gives the provincial government “increased powers to respond to extreme situations”said Danielle Smith, in particular the mobilization of additional resources and the release of emergency funds.
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Some material damage
Alberta – in the midst of an election – and a significant area of the neighboring province of Saskatchewan, as well as a large part of the Northwest Territories are currently facing an extreme risk of fires, according to a map from the federal government. .
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 violent fire destroyed 20 homes, a store and a police station. Residents were evacuated by boat and helicopter.
