FX.co ★ Wildfire rages in the Canada’s oil-sand region

On 5 May, the authorities of Canada declared a state of emergency in the Alberta region which is quite important for its oil reserves. Wildfire became the reason of it, and the Canadians weren't able to put it out as soon as it broke out. The size of the area on fire is above 200,000 ha.

Wildfires are frequent in Canada. The country is situated in the area with a severely continental climate: it's quite hot in spring and summer. Combined with dry windy weather, such conditions can lead to fires breaking out on the forestry territory of the country in no time.

Only one Canada region has been on fire as yet, but experts say that the Saskatchewan region can be engulfed in flames in the nearest future.

Shell, Suncor, Syncrude Canada, Husky Energy, Connacher Oil & Gas, the major oil producers which work in the Alberta region, temporary have cut the output.

More than 500 firemen are engaged in fire-fighting operations. The authorities claim that the brigades will probably have to work at least one month.

The fire is also fought with the help of technical equipment. Thus, the CH-146 ВВС helicopter and the CC-130 Hercules jet are engaged in the operations. The jet is used to transport the people and valuables into safer place.

Last week, more than 1,500 residential and non-residential buildings were captured by fire.

The fire destroyed 20% of houses in Fort McMurray.

80,000 people have been evacuated from the fire zone.