The Alberta government could consider a provincial state of emergency on Saturday, due to more than 100 wildfires burning and more than 24,500 evacuated from homes.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis provided an update to the media, and Albertans, on Saturday afternoon in Calgary.

As of 9:30 a.m., Premier Smith said that there were 103 wildfires burning, mostly in central and north central Alberta, covering 121,998 hectares across Alberta. Since 11 a.m. yesterday, 45 new fires have started. Further, 14 local states of emergency have been called.

“Much of Alberta has been experiencing a hot, dry spring and with so much kindling, all it takes is a few sparks to ignite some truly frightening wildfires,” Premier Smith said.

“These conditions have resulted in the unprecedented situation our province is facing today.”

Premier Smith said she wanted to ensure Albertans that, despite being in the midst of a provincial election, there is a stable and functioning government in place.

“I know that all of this is difficult for Albertans especially those who have been directly affected by these wildfires,” she said.

“I want to assure everyone that our province has the right tools, the right technology and the right resources in place to tackle this challenge, and people will get the supports that they need.”