Approximately 25,000 individuals were compelled to evacuate their residences, while authorities urged thousands more to be ready for immediate departure if necessary. The number of fires surged to 110 due to strong winds exacerbating the situation.

Additionally, an evacuation alert has been issued for 5,200 more residents in Parkland and Saddle Hills counties. The situation is rapidly evolving, cautioned Smith.

“Today, we declared a state of public emergency in Alberta,” the province’s Premier Danielle Smith told a news conference after a meeting of her government’s emergency management committee.

“The number of wildfires and evacuations has increased again and we must prioritize the safety of Albertans. We are putting all our resources toward fighting these fires, and we are grateful for the support of our partners all across Canada,” she added.

Describing Alberta as one of the world's significant oil-producing regions, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged that the province has been facing a scorching and arid spring, making it susceptible to devastating wildfires. She emphasized that with the abundance of dry fuel, even a few sparks can ignite tremendously alarming fires.

Smith stated that the current conditions have led to an unprecedented crisis in the province. Over 20 communities have already been evacuated, and an extensive area of at least 122,000 hectares (301,000 acres) has been consumed by the wildfires.

By declaring a state of emergency, the Alberta government gains enhanced authority to effectively respond to extreme situations. This includes mobilizing additional resources and accessing emergency funds to address the ongoing crisis, as mentioned by Premier Smith. (ILKHA)