As of Sunday afternoon, there were 108 active wildfires in Alberta, with 31 of them classified as “out of control,” according to CBC News. Forest fires drove more than 29,000 residents of this Canadian province from their homes.
It is not always possible to accurately assess what has already been destroyed by the flames, because in many cases smoke and fire prevent firefighters from doing so. But one of the fires destroyed around two dozen houses as well as a police station and a shop in the village of Fox Lake in the northern part of the province, which declared a state of emergency on Saturday.
Occasional rainfall helped firefighters in southern parts of Alberta on Sunday, but the situation did not improve in the north of the province.
In New Jersey, thousands of people had to evacuate because of the fire
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The Premier of the province, Danielle Smith, also visited some of the places affected by the forest fires. She supported the families and emphasized that emergency services are doing everything in their power.
I just toured some of the affected wildfire areas near Entwistle.
Earlier, I met with many families who were evacuated. I know it’s difficult to be displaced from your home, belongings, and community.
Our emergency services personnel are doing everything they can to stop… pic.twitter.com/9KJBghqovl
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) May 7, 2023
Evacuation also in British Columbia
Also in neighboring British Columbia, firefighters do not have two forest fires under control, and it was necessary to proceed with evacuations. In addition, strong winds are expected here in the coming days, which could contribute to the spread of the flames.
Crews of local firefighters were also dispatched with neighboring Alberta, as the fires raged near provincial borders. Firefighters from the provinces of Ontario and Quebec also arrived in Alberta, and the US state of Montana also offered help.
Close to 80 wildland firefighters arrived yesterday from Quebec and Ontario and are on their way to areas that need them the most. We’re grateful for the support. Thank you! Merci! pic.twitter.com/YvdhRbWf3Q
— Alberta Wildfire (@AlbertaWildfire) May 7, 2023
According to meteorologists from Environment and Climate Change Canada, more rain would be welcome in the area now.
Hot and dry conditions continue across much of the province, leading to numerous wildfires, the Alberta fire danger website says, adding that a local state of emergency has been declared.
In September, the Amazon forest in Brazil suffered the highest number of fires since 2010
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