Raging wildfire spreads to more areas in west Canada

A Canadian Joint Operations Command aerial photo shows wildfires near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada in this May 4, 2016 image posted on social media.  [Photo/Agencies]

On Wednesday afternoon, Alberta declared a province-wide state of emergency to provide full support and better coordinate resources.

Officials said one major task on Thursday will be to re-evacuate up to 25,000 people now sheltering in oil sands work camps north of the city. The province hopes to transport many of those people, who fled Fort McMurray two days ago, by aircraft to Edmonton, the provincial capital and the closest major city 435 km to the south.

Fire officials said a total of 47 wildfires are burning across the province with seven considered out of control. Amazingly, as of Thursday morning, there have been no serious injuries or deaths yet reported.

Three more communities including an evacuation center were put under evacuation orders late Wednesday as the unstoppable fire pushed further south away from Fort McMurray. Firefighters said they need help from cooler wetter weather to contain fire.

The local airport, which has already been shut down to all commercial flights, suffered minor damages but will remain open to emergency services. Anxious and exhausted people boarded buses for the long trip down Highway 63.

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