Canada wildfires: Alberta launches app for worried residents

A smartphone app has been released by the government of the Canadian province of Alberta to let people evacuated from the fire-hit town of Fort McMurray to see satellite images of their homes.

Alberta’s municipal affairs minister, Danielle Larivee, warned that the images could be traumatic.

She said the aim was to give homeowners the most accurate information possible.

More than 80,000 people were forced to flee when a devastating wildfire swept through the town two weeks ago.

The fire, which has now moved away from the city, destroyed more than 2,400 structures.

Thousands of evacuated residents continue to live in temporary shelters, with no possessions, as they wait to hear when they can go home.

Officials say a plan should be ready within two weeks to get residents back to their homes, although fire conditions could worsen in the coming days.

Source: BBC