Firefighters battle massive blaze in Alberta

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Authorities are hoping cooler temperatures and showers forecast for the coming week will help firefighters tackle blazes in the oil-rich Canadian province, although storms could complicate efforts.

In hot and dry conditions, forecasters were tracking a front likely to move across the province on Sunday that should bring much-needed relief, including humidity and even rain, said unit manager Christie Tucker. information at Alberta Wildfire, during a briefing on Saturday.

Authorities closed some parks and campgrounds in Alberta over Victoria Day weekend.

Holiday weekends, when residents traditionally go camping or other outdoor activities, typically see an increase in seasonal wildfires, some of which are accidentally started by people.

Wildfires in Canada have sent smoke through US states including Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Utah, Washington and Colorado, triggering fire quality alerts. air in some places.

More than 2,800 firefighters from Canada and the United States were battling about 91 active wildfires on Saturday.

The wildfires have tested the disaster management skills of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ahead of the May 29 provincial election.