Provincial state of emergency declared in Alberta as wildfires spread and more residents flee | CBC News

The province of Alberta has declared a state of emergency due to raging wildfires that have forced thousands of residents to flee their homes. As of August 18th, there are 51 active wildfires in the province, with 15 of them being considered out of control. The fires have already displaced over 10,000 people, and more residents are being urged to evacuate as the situation worsens.

Smoke from the fires has caused poor air quality throughout the region, with some areas reaching hazardous levels. Many communities have also lost power due to the destruction of power lines and infrastructure.

The Alberta government has deployed over 1,200 firefighters, as well as helicopters and other resources to battle the fires. The RCMP have also been helping to evacuate residents and maintain public safety.

This recent crisis is unfortunately not new to Alberta, where wildfires have become increasingly common due to climate change. The situation highlights the urgent need for action to address climate change and protect vulnerable communities from its consequences.

Overall, the wildfires in Alberta are a serious issue that requires immediate attention from both government officials and the public. It’s important to stay informed about the situation and support relief efforts in any way possible.