FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta (Reuters) – Evacuees who fled a massive wildfire that hit Fort McMurray trickle back to their homes on Wednesday, facing a massive cleanup and uncertainty over their safety as the devastated Canadian oil city begins to rebuild.
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Almost a month ago, a raging wildfire destroyed 10 per cent of the city and forced more than 80,000 residents – the entire population – to evacuate.
Some 2,000 residents who had expected to return this week were told on Monday that they should not go back because of risks posed by debris and contaminants, including caustic ash.
Authorities have also issued a boil-water advisory and advised returnees to carry with them at least two weeks’ worth of food, water and prescription medication.
“We would not do this if it was not safe to do so”, Couture said Tuesday.
Of the 1,600 people who returned to the town earlier to set up essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies and banks, many found their homes like they left them the day before, Couture said. Supplies of some items may be limited in the beginning and the government said some things may need to be rationed.
A steady stream of traffic is moving into the northern Alberta oilsands hub as thousands who fled a wildfire a month ago return to see what’s left.
“To the people of Fort McMurray heading home – we will be with you every step of the way”, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted. “See ya. Bye bye,”‘ she said.
“I can’t really describe the feeling”, she said.
Officials expect thousands of evacuees to return to the city today – the first day of a staged re-entry.
With heavy traffic on Highway 63, officials are asking people to drive cautiously, and the RCMP is beefing up its presence on the roads.
“People are anxious to come back, get their families, get their community back on, get their business back going and get this community into what it was once before”, Couture said.
N-95 dust masks to reduce smoke exposure.
Appropriate clothing, including boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves.
Friday: Residents of north-central and south Fort McMurray in the neighbourhoods of Thickwood, Wood Buffalo, Gregoire, Prairie Creek and Saprae Creek Estates. He estimated that 40 to 50 percent of residents will return this week and warned of travel delays.
A flashlight, as some homes may not have power.
About half of the 80,000 people displaced by the wildfires were expected to return to the community by the end of the week.
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That’s with the exception of Beacon Hill, Waterways, and Abasand, which have been rendered unlivable.
