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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MAY 13^th, 2016 (PRESS SEC) – Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris has reached out to Canadian officials to express solidarity with victims of the wildfires that span 596,000 acres in and around Fort McMurray, Alberta.

The blaze, which began on May 1^st, destroyed 2,400 homes and businesses, and displaced upward of 94,000 people.

“The people of St. Kitts and Nevis stand with the people of Canada, particularly the residents of Fort McMurray and surrounding areas.  We thank God that there have been no fatalities, serious injuries or missing persons reported in relation to the fires.  I think this is a testament to the very organized and prompt response by the Canadian government, as well as the brave and skillful work of thousands of emergency workers, first responders and firefighters,” Prime Minister Harris said.

In an update posted on May 13^th at 7:00pm on www.alberta.ca, the province of Alberta said that 1,714 firefighters are battling the fires with 123 helicopters, 226 pieces of heavy equipment and 26 air tankers.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, visited the affected area on May 13^th.  Last week, the Canadian Prime Minister announced that the federal government would match individual donations made to the Canadian Red Cross from May 3^rd to May 31^st, to help evacuees from the wildfires, regardless of how much is raised.  “There will be no cap,” Prime Minister Trudeau said on Twitter.  To date, the Canadian Red Cross has reportedly fundraised $86 million for the cause.