‘Challenging time’: Alberta wildfire evacuees to get financial aid, military to help

EDMONTON-The Alberta government promised financial aid Monday to people forced from their homes by wildfires that continue to threaten many areas of the province. The province also asked the federal government for help, and Premier Danielle Smith said military personnel would be deployed to prevent looting and maintain order in evacuated communities. “There is no question that this is a challenging time,” Smith said. “Tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes and their jobs. They’re leaving behind all they own.” Close to 100 fires remained active Monday during an unusually early and intense fire season. So far this year, 405 wildfires have burned nearly 400,000 hectares, according to the latest data available on the Alberta government’s website. Last year at this time, 180 fires had burned…

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