Wildfires are burning across western Canada. What to know
Wildfires have prompted evacuation orders and alerts in western Canada just days after officials warned of “significant risk” from the natural hazard this summer.A fire near Fort McMurray, Alta., has grown to 1,000 hectares Saturday, from around 200 hectares on Friday, and is listed as out-of-control.The Alberta government said the wildfire danger is “extreme” and has issued an evacuation alert for Fort McMurray and Saprae Creek. Residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice and keep essential items like medications, important documents and emergency kits ready to go.A notice issued late Friday said strong winds were expected Saturday, and the wildfire was surveilled overnight by helicopters.
The fire was about 25 kilometres southwest of Fort McMurray as of Friday evening.An evacuation order was also issued for Grand Prarie County No. 1 on Friday evening due to a wildfire burning about four kilometres east of Teepee Creek that is moving away from the community.
Evacuees were told to travel north and register at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre and to bring pets, important documents, medication, medical devices, food and water for at least seven days.In British Columbia, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality issued an evacuation order for the town of Fort Nelson as a wildfire poses a threat to human life. Evacuees are being told to head to the Fort St.
John reception centre.The Parker Lake wildfire is now nearly 1,700 hectares in size as of Saturday.The BC Wildfire Service said the blaze discovered Friday afternoon was burning about 12 kilometres from the Highway 77 junction. By evening, the fire had grown to 800 hectares and was listed as “out of control” and “exhibiting extreme fire
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