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The Alberta government in Canada has declared a provincial state of emergency as wildfires prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, Premier Danielle Smith announced on Saturday afternoon.
"Much of Alberta has been experiencing a hot, dry spring and with so much kindling, all it takes is a few sparks to ignite some truly frightening wildfires," said Smith at a press conference earlier in the day. "These conditions have resulted in the unprecedented situation our province is facing today."
Amid unusually hot weather and strong winds, at least 103 wildfires are burning across the Canadian province, forcing nearly 25,000 people to flee their homes for safety, the premier was quoted as saying at a press briefing.
Smith said C$1.5 billion ($1.12 billion) is put aside as a contingency because they know a significant amount could need to be spent on emergency management.
So far this year, there have been 43,000 hectares burned from wildfires, she added.
"It has been an extremely challenging day for firefighters here," said Christie Tucker, an information unit manager for Alberta Wildfire, adding that "It is very unusual for us to see this much fire activity this early in the season."
(With input from agencies)
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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466