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Alberta has declared a state of emergency after wildfires spread across
the western Canadian province, driving nearly 25,000 people from their
homes.
Faced with more than 100 wildfires, Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith
called the situation "unprecedented".
Residents of Edson, a town of more than 8,000, were told to leave
immediately.
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Ms Smith said a hot, dry spring had created "so much kindling" and some
122,000 hectares (301,000 acres) had burned so far.
Many of the fires are burning out of control, fanned by strong winds.
The worst-hit areas include Drayton Valley, about 140km (87 miles) west
of the provincial capital Edmonton, and Fox Lake, some 550km north of
the city, where 20 homes were consumed by fire.
Firefighting helicopters and air tankers have been brought in and the
federal government has offered assistance from Ottawa.
Edmonton Expo Centre is accommodating more than 1,000 evacuees and in
the town of High Level a curling rink is being turned into a temporary
shelter.
Alberta is a major oil-producing region, but so far oil facilities do
not appear to be in immediate danger.
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