Forest fire causes major damage in Alberta

AlbertaAn aerial view from the helicopter of Alberta Premier Rachel Notley shows smoke rising from raging wildfires which caused the mandatory evacuation of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada May 4, 2016. Cheryl Oates/Government of Alberta/Handout via REUTERS

The Canadian province of Alberta has declared a state of emergency because of the great forest fire ravaging the country’s main oil region.

The 88,000 residents of the town of Fort McMurray have all escaped from the flames, and over 1,600 buildings have been destroyed. Fire crews are far from being in control, and it is feared that the situation will be even worse.
The biggest challenge is the strong winds in the area but also the hot and dry weather is a demanding factor, says Chad Morrison in Alberta’s fire department. He says that they expect the fire will continue to challenge firefighters.

Reaching new areas

After the fire ravaged the southern part of Fort McMurray, the flames have crossed the Athabasca River and now threatens further new residential areas.
More than 250 firefighters, 17 helicopters and 17 aerial firefighting is inserted in the fight against the flames.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that all of Canada is showing its solidarity with the people of Alberta.
– Canada is a country where we take care of each other, said Trudeau.

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