Thousands of people in several parts of Alberta and eastern British Columbia are still being evacuated to avoid continuing wildfires that are burning across the region.
Nearly 30,000 Albertans have been evacuated from their homes as of Sunday evening as more than 100 distinct wildfires spread across the province. 31 have been classified as “out of control” by wildfire officials.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency is prioritizing the evacuation of people living in Edson, Evansburg, Entwistle, Wildwood, Hansonville, Fox Lake, Rainbow Lake, and Drayton Valley, where more than 40 structures have already been damaged.
Firefighters from Ontario and Quebec have been dispatched to Alberta on Saturday but the province needs additional help to combat the fires.
Alberta declared a state of emergency on Saturday after rising threats due to the fires.
“This is not a step that we took lightly,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a news conference. “But it’s one that will allow the quickest and most effective response.”
Officials in Fort St. John, B.C. are calling on residents to evacuate the area as the Alberta wildfires being to spread across the border.
The Boundary Lake and Red Creek wildfires have done considerable damage as strong winds lead to its continued growth. The Boundary Lake wildfire has grown to 3000 hectares and the Red Creek fire has reached 1550 hectares as it moves towards Fort St. John.
Wildfires continue to burn near Grand Prairie, Sturgeon Lake, Utikuma Lake and across Big Lakes County.
Albertans can stay up to date on the Alberta Emergency Alert site.
British Columbians can view a map of affected areas at the BC Wildfire Service site.
