Emergency responders are working around the clock to keep people safe and reduce the threat to homes and infrastructure.
Christie Tucker, information unit manager at Alberta Wildfire, added that as of 5 p.m. Saturday there were 110 wildfires burning and 33 are considered out of control.
Nearly 24,511 Albertans have been evacuated from their homes as wildfires continue to rage in north and central Alberta, while 5,200 residents are on evacuation alert.
According to the government, under the Emergency Management Act, declaring a state of emergency is a legal mechanism that provides the provincial government with a higher level of intergovernmental coordination, around the clock monitoring of the situation, access to emergency discretionary funds, the ability to mobilize additional supports and continue working with municipalities, organizations and businesses to support evacuated residents.
The Emergency Management Cabinet Committee continues to meet regularly to respond to the current wildfire situation across the province. Cabinet continues to have decision-making abilities, and will make decisions as needed to deal with this emergency situation.
The ministries involved in the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee include Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, Alberta Skilled Trades and Professions, Alberta Infrastructure, Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, Alberta Municipal Affairs, Alberta Health, Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism, Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services, Alberta Indigenous Relations, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and Alberta Energy.
The most up-to-date evacuation information is available at alberta.ca/emergency, Alberta Emergency Alert or by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers. Albertans seeking information or supports can call 310-4455.
Anyone who has been evacuated due to wildfires is asked to register at local reception center’s or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca
