Officials said that about 301,000 acres of land has been burnt so far.
Videos going viral on social media show unprecedented wildfires raging across Canada, where thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes. According to cbc newsThe Alberta government declared a provincial state of emergency on Saturday in response to more than 100 active wildfires. As of Saturday evening, more than 24,000 people had been evacuated from their homes due to the wildfires, officials said.
Meanwhile, videos of the devastating wildfire are circulating on Twitter. One clip showed massive fires burning on both sides of a river near Edson in Alberta. The post’s caption read, “Good morning from Canada. Here’s a look at the fire near Edson, Alberta. She jumped right over that river.”
see below:
Good morning from Canada. A look at the fire near Edson, Alberta. She jumped right over that river.
Thank you to the subscriber who sent in this amazing footage.🙏🍻
New podcast this morning discussing this and much more. Available to all. #Forest firepic.twitter.com/95XHeTN8uJ
– The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) May 6, 2023
Another Twitter user shared a video of the unprecedented scene, writing: “A look at the wildfires currently burning in Edmonton. Canada is busy.”
A look at the wildfires currently burning in Edmonton. Canada has been busy. #Forest fire#canadianpic.twitter.com/VnarbGd5s0
– The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) May 1, 2023
Another video shows three separate fires burning near Swan Hills, a town in northern Alberta.
3 wildfires out of control west and north-west of Swan Hills #ABforestfire#ABStormpic.twitter.com/N7y54pAjzx
— West Canada Storm Tracker (@valley_weather) May 4, 2023
According to newsweekPremier Daniel Smith, leader of the government of Alberta, has stated that the state of emergency was declared “to protect the safety, health and well-being of Albertans”. The declaration “gives the government more power to respond to extreme situations,” she told a news conference, adding that it would allow the province to access emergency funds and mobilize additional aid.
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On Saturday, Ms Smith also said the threat facing her province was “unprecedented”. “Much of Alberta is experiencing a warm, dry spring and with so much burning, all it takes is a few sparks to ignite a really catastrophic wildfire,” she explained. “As a result of these conditions, our province is facing an unprecedented situation today,” he said.
further, according to BBCSo far, about 301,000 acres have been burned, Ms. Smith said. He said many of the fires are getting out of control, being spread by strong winds.