UPDATE:

Premier Danielle Smith has activated the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee.

"This is a very serious ongoing situation, and Alberta's government will continue to monitor and provide Albertans with the most up to date information," a statement from the Premier's office said. 

Original Article:

Wildfires have erupted across Central and Northern Alberta.

They've forced evacuations of thousands of Albertans including all residents from the town of Drayton Valley.

Stephen Lacroix, managing director of Alberta Emergency Management Agency, says the number of people who have been evacuated has exceeded 10,000.

"There are about now 78 active wildfires burning throughout the province with 19 most recently listed as out of control. Many communities are affected by the fires with over 13,000 Albertans evacuated from their homes. We're working with federal, provincial and municipal partners to deliver emergency supports throughout this evolving and extremely fluid situation."

wildfiresCurrent wildfires in Alberta

Christie Tucker with Alberta Wildfire says there's been a significant increase in wildfires already this year.

"So far this year we've had 348 wildfires since January 1st, and it's burned more than 25,000 hectares of land.  That's significantly more wildfire activity for this time of year that we've certainly seen in the recent past."

Tucker also said that more firefighters are coming to help.

"We have firefighters coming into the province today through an agreement with our colleagues in Ontario and Quebec.  They are sending 79 firefighters coming today and we have a request for more assistance as well. 

A helicopter with night vision capabilities was also used overnight to assist in fighting the fires and helicopters were used to help with some of the evacuations.

For the latest information officials are asking you to follow the Alberta Emergency Alert app and website, Alberta 511 also has the latest highway closures and detour information. The Alberta Wildfire website also has a current status map which is constantly updated.