By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — Out of control wildfires in the Western Canadian province of Alberta have prompted the government to declare a provincial state of emergency.

“The province can access emergency funds, mobilize additional supports and continue to work with municipalities, organizations and businesses to support affected residents,” Premier Danielle smith said on the weekend.

Smith says she plans to call Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ask for help from the federal government.

“I’m building a list of things that we’ll be able to ask for. I’ll take them seriously when they say that they’re prepared to give help,” she said.

Residents from more than a dozen small communities are seeking temporary shelter as the flames threaten their homes.

Evacuation centers have been set up in several communities.

Smith says she’s shocked by the magnitude of the situation.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen 25,500 people, across over 20 communities be evacuated at one time,” the premier said.

Hot, dry weather

Hot weather, almost no precipitation and strong winds have made fields and forests tinder dry.

As of Sunday afternoon, Alberta Wildfire reported 108 active blazes.

Twenty-eight of them are out of control.

Fifteen have been caused by human activity, lightning strikes have sparked another 10 and 83 are under investigation.

Over the weekend, firefighters received a bit of relief.

Temperatures dropped by about 20 degrees Celsius.

Instead of 30-degree heat, the thermometer in many places recorded single-digit temps.

And a bit of rain fell.

But what is needed is a heavy rain that will soak the ground.

Later in the week, things are expected to heat up again,

And with that, the risk of more fires increases.

To aid in the battle against the flames, other provinces are sending crews to Alberta.
(Eagle News Service)