Mass evacuation The entire population of Fort McMurray, about 90,000 people, was forced to flee almost two weeks ago as the uncontrolled wildfire raged through some neighbourhoods and destroyed about 15 per cent of structures.
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More than 90,000 people have been evacuated due to the Fort McMurray wildfires, and, as of yet, there is no word on when it might be safe for residents to return home.
Alberta State Premier Rachel Notley said up to 600 workers were being sent to oil sands installations further north.
A pair of firefighters who fought the devastating fires of Fort McMurray, Alta., couldn’t catch a break, even while on their days off in Saskatchewan.
Scott Long of the Alberta Management Agency said there is no panic and the evacuations are being conducted in an orderly manner. “They have started a precautionary evacuation, and have just left essential services, like staff that would do things like shut down, or industrial firefighters on sight”.
Authorities said the blaze near Enbridge’s Cheecham facility south of Fort McMurray was under control and the winds were favourable, according to wire service Reuters.
It’s been nearly two weeks since a monster fire took a nasty turn in Fort McMurray Alberta, and the air quality is so bad that it will likely delay the return of residents.
Earlier today, officials warned the air quality in the Fort McMurray area was at risky levels.
The wildfire north of Fort McMurray is expanding and growing in size and the mandatory evacuation for Fort McMurray has been extended north. It was about five kilometres away from Fort McMurray’s Timberlea neighbourhood Monday afternoon.
The Alberta government says over 15,000 took part in the first town hall session that was held last Monday night and the numbers have continued to remain high as more were held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
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The wildfire situation in Alberta remains at an extreme level. “We have a ban on recreational use of off-highway vehicles across much of the province for a reason”, she said.
