A provincial state of emergency has been declared by the Notley government.

Municipal Affairs Minister Danielle Larivee says it it allows the government to access more supports in the effort to battle the fire and to help the 80,000 people displaced from their homes.

"Our focus at this time remains completely and entirely on ensuring residents and our first responders and firefighters are safe and secure," the minister told a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

Larivee says the government is continuing to monitor the situation but at this point it does not look good.

"This afternoon our responders are facing extreme fire conditions and rapidly changing fire behaviour and unfortunately current temperatures and winds present extreme fire conditions," she says.

Fire officials say well over 7,000 hectares of forest have gone up in flames and they expect by morning that could rise to 10,000.

The province is matching donations made to the Red Cross. In addition to matching donations, the Government will provide the Red Cross with $2 million in seed money to help kick-start operations.

Other updates provided include;
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Canadian Forces for air support to assist with transportation as needed.
More than 250 firefighters, helicopters and air tankers are currently fighting this fire.
Alberta Transportation is escorting a fuel tanker along Highway 63 to assist stranded motorists.
Since April 1, there have been 329 wildfires in the province. All but two have been contained.

Donations can be made at www.redcross.ca