Wildfires have forced 4,500 Albertans from home as of Sunday: AEMA
CBC
Yellowhead County Mayor Wade Williams took a moment Sunday morning to express gratitude to some of his constituents.
The county issued two wildfire evacuation orders this week — one for the hamlet of Peers, another for the communities of Mercoal and Robb — that forced people from their homes.
"We know it's very, very tough to be evacuated from your homes," Williams said during the county's wildfire update Sunday. "These measures are absolutely important, and I just want to thank you all for your cooperation."
As of 7:40 p.m. MT Sunday, 49 total wildfires are burning throughout the province, about half of which are deemed out of control, the Alberta Wildfire dashboard shows.
Fires have triggered eight evacuation orders for various communities, according to the Alberta government's website.
Those orders leave 4,500 Albertans out of their homes due to wildfires as of Sunday morning, an Alberta Emergency Management Agency spokesperson told CBC News. The agency leads and oversees all emergency and disaster response.
Marcel Auger, reeve of the municipal district of Opportunity No. 17, said he was able to fly over Chipewyan Lake to see the extent of the damage to the community. Those residents are just some of many displaced by fire.
"It is looking like we've lost 27 homes or structures in the community," he said in an interview Sunday.
"This includes the seniors' centre, the water treatment plant, the church, and the Bigstone Health Centre, as well as numerous homes."
Auger has been a part of the M.D. for decades — either as an employee, or on council, or now being reeve.
"This is the toughest day I've had, as a leader in this community, to see the devastation on the ground. For these residents, that's everything," he said.
Around 75 people were forced to leave Chipewyan Lake during the evacuation. Auger said it is difficult for many to adjust to being in the neighbouring community of Wabasca.
A Cree translator has been made available at information updates for residents who don't speak English.
Multiple evacuation advisories have also been issued due to wildfires, warning people they have to be prepared to evacuate within a few hours' notice.
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