MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A wildfire near Fort McMurray, a city located in Canada's oil-rich western province of Alberta, was discovered late on Sunday before spreading into the city on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Alberta declared a state of emergency as the number of evacuees surpassed 80,000. At least 1,600 buildings have been affected by the fire.
"Fire conditions remain extreme, with 18 new starts across Alberta yesterday. A total of 49 wildfires are burning, with seven considered out of control, 12 being held, 23 under control, and seven turned over to the responsible parties," the statement published on the Alberta website late on Thursday reads.
Official info for Albertans affected by wildfires is available online and by phone. #ymmfire #ymmhttps://t.co/gsAz2N7LjO
— Alberta Government (@YourAlberta) 5 мая 2016 г.
According to the authorities, over 1,110 firefighters, 145 helicopters and 138 pieces of heavy equipment are fighting the fires.
The latest media reports suggest that the fires in the province have spread over an area of 328.2 square miles.
