Alberta Wildfire 2016: Huge Blaze Scorches Canadian Province, Forces Mass Evacuation; Dangerous Wildfire Sparks Fear Among Neighboring Provinces

Canadian authorities reported a massive and dangerous wildfire has scorched the province of Alberta on Saturday. According to the reports, the size of the Alberta wildfire may double in size and reach the neighboring province of Saskatchewan.

Unpredictable And Dangerous Alberta Wildfire

According to Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, the Alberta wildfire remains dangerous and unpredictable, noting the province has been "tinder dry." Goodale also added the devastating blaze has forced mass evacuation of almost 90,000 people and burned almost 1,600 structures while sending plumes of smoke to as far as Iowa, CNN notes.

Alberta Wildfire Under Control?

With the massive and destructive wildfire, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said there's no way to tame a fire that is almost the size of Hong Kong (estimated at 156,000 hectares or 385,000 acres). She also noted the fact that the hot and dry conditions plus volatile winds and heavy plumes of smoke have challenged authorities to put out the fires.

"In no way is this fire under control," Notley said on Saturday, as per The Guardian. "The weather today is going to be significantly worse for fighting fires. Officials tell us the fire may double in size in the forested areas today. As well, it may actually reach the Saskatchewan border."

Alberta Wildfire Damages Entire Neighborhoods, Halts Oil Sands Operations

The conditions of the Alberta wildfire remains extreme, scorching entire neighborhoods. Powers grids are also damages while the water is not safe for drinking. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries have been reported, BBC News reveals.

The Alberta wildfire, however, has shut down Canada's oil sands operations including Syncrude and Suncor Energy oil sands. The temporary cessation of operations is igniting concerns about its effect on the Canadian economy since the region has the world's third-largest oil reserves.

Heavy Rains Needed To Put Out Massive Alberta Wildfire

Due to the hot, dry and windy weather conditions, Alberta's manager of wildfire prevention Chad Morrison said heavy rainfalls are needed to thwart the massive Alberta wildfire. But he's hopeful much cooler temperatures are expected Sunday and next week, New York Daily News learns.

"We need heavy rain for sure, the showers won't be enough," Morrison said. "Unless we have a significant rain event of 100mm of rain, we expect to be fighting the fires in the forested areas for months to come."

Alberta Wildfire Response And Reinforcements

The government's response to the Alberta wildfire has been reportedly huge. Authorities said more than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze around Fort McMurray.

Hundreds of firefighters were also assisted by 15 helicopters and 14 air tankers. While more than 1,400 firefighters and 133 helicopters have been deployed to put out the fires across the province.

Meanwhile, officials said the Alberta wildfire moved in a northeast direction and could reach the Saskatchewan border by the end of Saturday.

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