Canada Deploys Army to Combat Wildfires in Alberta

Canada has called in the military to assist in firefighting efforts in Alberta after wildfires forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and caused several oil and gas producers to halt operations in the country's main crude oil-producing region. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Thursday that "the armed forces were deployed following Ottawa's approval of Alberta's request for federal support after more than 100 wildfires broke out across the province last week." The widespread fires marked a strong start to the wildfire season in Alberta, putting the disaster management skills of Alberta's Premier, Danielle Smith, and her party's policies under scrutiny ahead of the upcoming provincial elections scheduled for May 29. A drop in temperatures over the past two days has allowed firefighters some relief and enabled certain oil and gas companies to resume suspended production, although forecasts indicate a rise in temperatures at the beginning of next week. Trudeau tweeted: "The army will provide support in firefighting, air transport resources, assistance in evacuating isolated communities, and ensuring people's safety."