Wildfires Engulf Alberta Town, Thousands Flee

As much as a third of Slave Lake, Alta., has burned down in the last 24 hours as firefighters try to stop the destruction.

An out-of-control wildfire has burned down hundreds of homes and buildings in Slave Lake, Alta., forcing 7,000 residents to flee the flames. Two fires on the edge of town quickly engulfed Slave Lake on Sunday evening after gusts of wind of up to 100 kilometres an hour spread the fires through the town, about 250 kilometres due north of Edmonton. The mayor said as much as a third of the town – including the town hall, a key radio station, churches, and several businesses – was consumed by the fires while firefighters attempted to rein it in. No injuries have yet been reported. Nearly 300 firefighters have been called in from Edmonton, B.C., and Ontario to battle the blaze today.