In response to the threat of multiple wildfires burning throughout the province, Alberta has declared a provincial state of emergency to ensure Albertans' safety, health and welfare.

Wildfires continue to burn out of control in large areas of Northern Alberta. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)Wildfires continue to burn out of control in large areas of Northern Alberta. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

Emergency responders are working around the clock to keep people safe and reduce the threat to homes and infrastructure.

Under the Emergency Management Act, declaring a state of emergency is a legal mechanism that provides the provincial government with a higher level of intergovernmental coordination, around-the-clock monitoring of the situation, access to emergency discretionary funds, the ability to mobilize additional support and continue working with municipalities, organizations and businesses to support evacuated residents.

Wildfires continue to burn out of control in large areas of Northern Alberta. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)Wildfires continue to burn out of control in large areas of Northern Alberta. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

The Emergency Management Cabinet Committee continues to meet regularly to respond to the current wildfire situation across the province. The cabinet continues to have decision-making abilities and will make decisions as needed to deal with this emergency situation.

The ministries involved in the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee include Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, Alberta Skilled Trades and Professions, Alberta Infrastructure, Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, Alberta Municipal Affairs, Alberta Health, Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism, Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services, Alberta Indigenous Relations, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and Alberta Energy.

Wildfires continue to burn out of control in large areas of Northern Alberta. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

As of this afternoon, more than 24,000 individuals have been evacuated from communities throughout north and central Alberta.

Department officials will continue providing daily technical briefings to the media and the public as this situation evolves. A daily situation report will also be issued via news release.

The most up-to-date evacuation information is available at alberta.ca/emergency, Alberta Emergency Alert or by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers. Albertans seeking information or support can call 310-4455.

Anyone evacuated due to wildfires is asked to register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.