Wildfires consume Slave Lake

Thousands flee as flames engulf town

Out-of-control wildfires enveloping the town of Slave Lake, Alberta, located 250 kilometres north of Edmonton, are forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes. The fire, which broke out on Saturday, was most likely fuelled by the dry weather and high winds that have triggered about 70 other ongoing wildfires throughout the province. Wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour have so far prevented about 200 firefighters from curbing the flames that have engulfed over half of the town, including the town hall, police station and radio station. Slave Lake authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order, and police are allegedly arresting anyone who does not comply.

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