By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles & Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam

State of Provincial Emergency Declared as Wildfire Devastates Fort McMurray

May 4, 2016 | 4:16 PM

ALBERTA – The Alberta government has declared a provincial state of emergency, as a wildfire continues to rip through Fort McMurray.

The municipalities of Wood Buffalo and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation have also both declared local states of emergency.

More than 250 firefighters, helicopters and air tankers have been deployed to fight the fire, with the federal government also sending military aircrafts to help.

The mandatory evacuation order remains in effect, impacting approximately 80,000 people, and Alberta Transportation is escorting a fuel tanker along Highway 63 to help stranded motorists who were forced to flee before fueling up.

Drivers are also being asked to avoid taking Highway 63 or Highway 881 to Fort McMurray, as only essential travel should be undertaken.

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Evacuees are reminded to contact Red Cross (1-800-350-6070) to register their location, to ensure officials know they’re safe and where to reach them. It’s also important for all evacuated residents to retain receipts from any food purchases, accommodations and other related expenses for possible reimbursement from insurance providers.

There are currently six reception centres setup within the province, providing further information on evacuations. Further details can be found on the Alberta Government emergency update website. http://www.alberta.ca/emergency.cfm

Some health advisories have been put into effect, as well. A boil-water advisory covers the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and any camps within that region, and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions as there’s an Air Quality Advisory for the Fort McMurray area.

Albertans can keep up to date as the situation unfolds by using the Alberta Emergency Alert and Alberta Wildfire apps. A 24-hour Mental Health Help Line is also available to those in need at 1-877-303-2642.

The Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca) is not accepting any more volunteers at this time, but you can continue to make donations via phone, online or through text message.