Canada: Alberta declares state of emergency after wildfires spread across western part of province

In Canada, Alberta has declared a state of emergency after wildfires spread across the western part of the province, driving nearly 25,000 people from their homes. Faced with more than 100 wildfires, Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith called the situation unprecedented. Residents of Edson, a town of more than 8,000, were told to leave immediately. 

Ms Smith said a hot, dry spring had created and some 122,000 hectares (301,000 acres) had burned so far. Many of the fires are burning out of control, fanned by strong winds. The worst-hit areas include Drayton Valley, about



140km (87 miles) west of the provincial capital Edmonton, and Fox Lake, some 550km north of the city, where 20 homes were consumed by fire.

Firefighting helicopters and air tankers have been brought in and the federal government has offered assistance from Ottawa. Edmonton Expo Centre is accommodating more than 1,000 evacuees and in the town of High Level a curling rink is being turned into a temporary shelter. Alberta is a major oil-producing region, but so far oil facilities do not appear to be in immediate danger.