Wildfire Destroys Homes, Police Station in Community in Northern Alberta

A sign warns of a forest fire in the area as smoke haze from forest fires burning in Alberta and British Columbia hangs over Banff, Alta., in Banff National Park, on July 21, 2017. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

The Alberta government says there are 79 active wildfires burning in the province—including three in the northern community of Fox Lake.

Officials are reporting 20 homes have been destroyed, along with an RCMP detachment and a store.

A reception centre has opened for evacuees at the Fox Lake band office.

Evacuation orders have also been issued for rural areas west and southwest of Edmonton.

Most of central Alberta is under a fire ban after a spell of windy and unseasonably hot conditions.