Alberta Premier Danielle Smith held a press conference on Wednesday, providing an update on the province’s intensifying wildfire situation, particularly in the Fort McMurray, Alta., area, adding that she’s “prepared to do whatever is necessary” to ensure people’s safety.
On Tuesday, roughly 6,600 residents of Fort McMurray, Alta., were told they must leave their homes by 4 p.m., as a wildfire rages south of the community — triggering memories of the devastating fire eight years ago. On Wednesday, it was revealed the fire is now classified as “out-of-control” and has burned at least 20,000 hectares of land.
“It’s important that everyone knows that we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep everyone safe. This evacuation is a stark reminder that our province lives alongside the threat of wildfires and other national disasters. And let me assure you, our government will have Alberta’s back whenever a disaster strikes,” Smith said in her opening remarks.
The update comes as Alberta’s wildfire season kicks off with 45 spreading fires and the expansion of evacuation alerts throughout the province. In 2023, Canada — and especially Alberta — saw its worst wildfire season to date. Roughly 18.5 million hectares of land burned nationwide, smashing the previous record of 7.6 million hectares scorched in 1989.
Smith was joined Wednesday by Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis and Alberta Wildfire information unit manager Christie Tucker — who offered their expertise on the ongoing situations and government response.
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#Alberta #Wildfires #Fires
I propose project "megapumps" portable mega pumps that are dunked into nearby large bodies of water near fires like lakes and big ponds. Water is pumped from these natural reservoirs with Canadian technologies. Fabrication will be used using heavy PVC large plastic pipes attached to a large diesel pump . The pump cylinder is attached to serveral km od hoses attached to a heavy drone carring the hose that has constant feed of water to fight the fires…
Fort McMurry Alberta is 10 1/2 hours away from Dawson Creek Canada ??
Hope we get answer how this fire started
These fires are the result of ARSON , I believe it !
Government arson
The same happened in ONTARIO last summer after the many fires in Alberta,BC . SASK .
Arson suspected !
Punishing Alberta!
This global warming hits harder every year. Signs of the great purification to come.
Trudeau season started early this year, FJT
Gee, I really am wondering how these fires start with out natural reasons, hmmmmm?? I wonder ?? ????
Love how this update has 4 ads every 5 mins ugg
Maybe another round of service cuts will help?