Alberta officials say huge Fort McMurray wildfire no longer growing

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – The huge wildfire that tore through parts of Fort McMurray and northeastern Alberta is classified as being held for the first time since it became out of control in early May.

The huge wildfire that tore through parts of Fort McMurray and northeastern Alberta is classified as being held for the first time since it became out of control in early May. Photo: @FortMacToday.

Wildfire information officer Lynn Daina said the designation means the fire is no longer growing, but is not yet under control.

Daina said it’s an important day for firefighters who have been battling the blaze for weeks.

“It is a big deal. It is like the happy dance day,” she said Monday.

Thanks to hard work of firefighters & support staff the #ymmfire is now classified as being held. pic.twitter.com/3O5g5g4cyc

— Alberta Wildfire (@AlbertaWildfire) June 13, 2016

“There has been so much and so many people on this fire – more than 2,000 at its peak working it daily.”

The perimeter of the fire, including burned areas, covers just under 5,900 square kilometres.

Daina said the work of firefighters combined with recent rainy weather and high humidity checked the fire’s growth.

Thousands of residents have been returning to Fort McMurray this month after being forced to flee on May 3.

June 13, 5:25 pm – A message from Chris Graham. #YMM #ymmstrong pic.twitter.com/ysLv1Vc6Pi

— rmwoodbuffalo (@RMWoodBuffalo) June 12, 2016

June 12: Special message from Chris Graham inside the Regional Emergency Operations Centre. #YMM #RMWB pic.twitter.com/ZQvaz6mWPo

— rmwoodbuffalo (@RMWoodBuffalo) June 12, 2016

Thanks to the hard work of firefighters the #FortMacFire is now classified as Being Held. #ABFire #ymm #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/U3ax5QyeVG

— Angela Degrazia Beaucage (@angedegrazia) June 13, 2016

Got home yesterday. This area by Beaconhill was on fire during the evac, but now has some green in it. 🙂 #ymmstrong pic.twitter.com/H4AD8wIO0b

— Johnny Dulku (@MrDulku) June 13, 2016

Thank you, @MayorMelissa, for sharing your story & your strength with us at #yyc16. You're a hero of #ymmfire too. pic.twitter.com/pbNvqCb8yn

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) June 11, 2016

We're open! @AMAcommunity in #ymm has re-opened its doors & back to serving our members & the community. #ymmstrong pic.twitter.com/iukONxNT6v

— Jeff Kasbrick (@JeffKasbrick) June 13, 2016

Some government offices and services have resumed operations in Fort McMurray: https://t.co/K2o7yhgiaU #ymm #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/IUQVrtWBkQ

— Alberta Government (@YourAlberta) June 13, 2016

The O.R. & other specialized services are now back online at #ymm Northern Lights Health Centre. #ymmfire #ymmreturn pic.twitter.com/MsVJPDHjEj

— Bill Fortier (@BillFortierTV) June 13, 2016

Trying to identify the gems for homeowners impacted by the #ymmfire in Fort McMurray, Canada. pic.twitter.com/pI8GExXb2c

— Team Rubicon (@TeamRubicon) June 10, 2016

Sifting through wildfire debris in Fort McMurray to help homeowners identify remaining valuables. #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/rS0181ZH2a

— Team Rubicon (@TeamRubicon) June 8, 2016

It was hard to see but Team Rubicon is amazing! #ymm #ymmfire #ymmstrong #lifeafterthefire #goteamrubicon #veterns pic.twitter.com/UaT2F74Hcs

— Meranda Bos (@bos_meranda) June 12, 2016

More info for residents who need to schedule an appointment with Team Rubicon. Book now: https://t.co/oeADqIINqT pic.twitter.com/nViu4FgOlR

— rmwoodbuffalo (@RMWoodBuffalo) June 12, 2016

Views from one area of Abasand. But there are many parts of the neighbourhood that are fine. #ymm #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/4UYI2zKcmN

— Andrea Ross (@_rossandrea) June 8, 2016

.@globalnews Here's my #69Camaro before and after the #ymmfire
Be warned @ChevroletCanada it's tough to look at#YMM pic.twitter.com/vsKGhh7vzQ

— Oilsands Oil Fan (@oilsandsoilfan) June 12, 2016

We’re proud to announce that Suncor personnel donated more than half a million to #ymmfire relief pic.twitter.com/BPJ1vxpiH6

— Suncor (@Suncor) June 7, 2016

WATCH: Fort McMurray residents help one another get back on their feet @TomVernonGlobal reports #ymmfire https://t.co/BUc2Qxt9sX

— Global Edmonton (@GlobalEdmonton) June 7, 2016

Roundup of Canadian Underwriter's Daily News items on the #FortMcMurray #wilfire: https://t.co/t6Dvr0x3vS #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/vVtxC9Qnw1

— Canadian Underwriter (@CdnUnderwriter) June 10, 2016