UPDATE: On Tuesday, Global News requested additional information from the province on the eligibility requirements for the funding and was told that the province is making amendments to the requirements so that anyone who has been evacuated for seven days total, rather than consecutively, will be eligible.
During a Monday afternoon update on the wildfire situation in Alberta, Premier Smith announced funding support for evacuees.
Adults who have been evacuated for at least seven consecutive days will receive $1,250 from the province, and an additional $500 for children under 18.
People can apply online, and, if eligible, will receive funding via e-transfer.
“These payments will help evacuees pay for accommodations, food and other basic necessities,” Smith said. “The payments will make those expenses one less thing for people to worry about so that they can concentrate on their families and their own well-being.”
People can apply for the Emergency Evacuation Funding through the provincial website starting Tuesday, May 9, at 9 a.m.
Anyone who is unable to apply online or cannot receive the e-transfer can call the wildfire resources line 310-4455.
Close to 100 fires remained active Monday during an unusually early and intense fire season.
So far this year, 405 wildfires have burned nearly 400,000 hectares, according to the latest data available on the Alberta government’s website. Last year at this time, 180 fires had burned 417 hectares.
As of Sunday evening, more than 29,000 Albertans have been evacuated from their homes due to fire threat.
— With a file from The Canadian Press