The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray, Alberta, has lifted the evacuation order for several communities that were forced to leave their homes due to a wildfire threat earlier in the week. The evacuation order affected about 6,600 residents of Abasand, Beacon Hill, Grayling Terrace, and Prairie Creek. The wildfire measured 19,582 hectares as of Saturday, with a total of 327 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area. Despite the wildfire being out of control in some areas, significant progress has been made in containing the northern edge of the fire with the help of recent rainfall.
Officials have stated that residents can now return to their homes, as the evacuation order has been lifted and the state of local emergency has been lifted as well. Construction of fire guards has been completed between the northern edge of the fire and Fort McMurray to prevent the wildfire from moving closer to the community, landfill, and Highway 63. However, residents have been advised to be cautious as they return, as the wildfire is still active and may take weeks or months to fully control. The closest point of the fire remains about 5.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill and 4.5 km from the intersection of Highway 63 and 881.
Alberta Wildfire information officer Josee St-Onge emphasized that significant progress has been made on containing the northern edge of the wildfire, but the residents will have to live with an active wildfire near their community for an extended period. The Alberta government is committed to putting in the necessary resources to bring the fire under control. Despite the fact that the fire did not grow on Friday, it is essential for residents to adhere to the fire ban and avoid travelling into wooded areas near the fire or flying drones in the area. Emergency social services, including food and accommodation, will be available until 12 p.m. Sunday, and residents are reminded to follow safety precautions as they return home.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the wildfire status and danger across the province by visiting the Alberta Wildfire and Alberta Emergency Alert websites. While Highway 63 and Highway 881 are open for traffic in both directions, there is still a fire ban in effect for Fort McMurray’s urban service area and the Forest Protection Area. Propane appliances are permitted, but all other types of outdoor fires, recreational fires, and fireworks are prohibited. The community is thankful for the hard work of firefighting crews in containing the wildfire and ensuring the safety of residents as they return to their homes.
