2023-05-08 03:18:02
EDMONTON, Canada (AP) — Fire crews battled wildfires threatening communities in western Canada Sunday as cooler temperatures and a little rain brought some relief, but authorities warned the respite was only in some areas.
Alberta officials said there were 108 active fires in the province and the number of evacuees rose to regarding 29,000, up from regarding 24,000 on Saturday, when a province-wide state of emergency was declared.
Two wildfires in neighboring British Columbia have also forced some people from their homes, and authorities have warned that high winds are expected to fan the flames in the coming days.
Alberta provincial officials said the weather forecast was favorable for the next few hours and days, with light rain and cloudy conditions. But they warned that a return of high temperatures and arid conditions is forecast later.
“There are people who have said that this season is unprecedented in recent history because we have so many scattered fires,” said Christie Tucker of the Alberta Fire Department. “It’s been an unusual year.”
Colin Blair, executive director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, said there were no accurate reports of damage yet because conditions made it difficult to assess the situation. Some buildings were destroyed in the town of Fox Lake, including 20 residences, a police station and a store.
In northeast British Columbia, authorities urged residents to evacuate near two wildfires near the Alberta border, noting that there were reports that some people refused to vacate.
“This hampers the response and puts their lives and the lives of the firefighters at risk,” said Leonard Hiebert, president of the Peace River Regional District.
A third fire in British Columbia was burning out of control regarding 430 miles (700 kilometers) to the south in the Teare Creek region, and some residents near the town of McBride were evacuated.
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