Wildfire Evacuation Order and Alerts Lifted for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Thousands of people who fled their communities due to a wildfire in northeastern Alberta are being allowed to return home with all emergency alerts lifted, the province’s mayor announced Saturday. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Sandy Bowman.

A large wildfire burning near Fort McMurray, which is still considered out of control, prompted the municipality to issue an evacuation alert more than a week ago. Then, on Tuesday, about 6,600 Fort McMurray residents were forced to leave when an evacuation order was issued for four neighborhoods: Prairie Creek, Beacon Hill, Abasand and Grayling Terrace.

Rain and cool temperatures reduced the risk of fire, and firefighting and community protection efforts made the situation safe enough for people to return, Bowman said.

“I am pleased to announce that we can now safely end the ongoing evacuation and allow people to return home,” Bowman said.

“We will be very happy to see you and we will thank you for your determination, your patience and your strength,” he said, addressing the evacuated residents.

“Welcome – and travel safely.”

The fire, which broke out on May 9, covers an area of ​​approximately 19,500 hectares, Alberta Wildfire estimates, but its growth appears to have been blocked for several days. It is burning approximately 5.5 kilometers southwest of Fort McMurray and 4.5 kilometers west of Highways 63 and 881.

As of Thursday, nearly 2,600 evacuees and 380 pets were registered in reception centers in Lac La Biche, Cold Lake and Edmonton, according to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Many other residents left voluntarily when the evacuation alert – meaning people should be ready to leave at short notice – was first issued, in case there was a repeat of the evacuation alert. 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire.

This alert is also being lifted so those residents can return, Bowman said.

The local state of emergency declared last Tuesday is also ending, he said.