Edmonton : An unseasonably warm and dry spring has fueled a massive wildfire in northern Alberta, forcing the evacuation of 15,000 residents from Fort McMurray and surrounding areas as of April 2, 2025. The blaze, dubbed the “Red Pine Fire,” has already consumed over 50,000 hectares, with smoke blanketing much of the province.
Firefighters, aided by water bombers and federal support, are battling fierce winds that threaten to push the fire toward oil sands infrastructure. Premier Danielle Smith declared a state of emergency, urging residents to “stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders.” Climate experts link the early fire season to ongoing drought conditions, raising concerns about a challenging summer ahead.
