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Fort McMurray wildfire nearly 50% contained; no significant growth in two days: Alberta government

June 3, 2016   by Canadian Underwriter


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The Fort McMurray wildfire remains out of control, but has not seen any significant growth over the past 48 hours and is nearly 50% contained, the government of Alberta said in a statement on Thursday.

Extensive damage caused by a previous house explosion in the Dickinsfield neighbourhood is seen in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Thursday, June 2, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

Extensive damage caused by a previous house explosion in the Dickinsfield neighbourhood is seen in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Thursday, June 2, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

It is estimated to cover 581,695 hectares, including the Saskatchewan side, with a new perimeter estimate of 984 kilometres, the statement said. About four millimetres of rain fell over the fire on Wednesday, and extreme burning conditions still exist for some areas of the fire.

Voluntary, phased re-entry began on June 1 and should be complete by June 21. Re-entry into the neighbourhoods of Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways has been delayed until remediation and clean-up has been completed by the municipality. It is estimated that 8,000 of the eligible 13,000 people from Zone 1, which includes the Lower Townsite, Anzac, Fort McMurray First Nation #468 and Gregoire Lake Estates, returned safely to the community.

Fire crews work the tree line in Anzac near Fort McMurray, Alta., on Saturday, June 4, 2016. Members of the community are now being allowed back into their homes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Fire crews work the tree line in Anzac near Fort McMurray, Alta., on Saturday, June 4, 2016. Members of the community are now being allowed back into their homes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Re-entry for Zone 2, which includes Parsons Creek, Stone Creek, Timberlea, Eagle Ridge and Dickinsfield began on Thursday, with approximately 40,000 people eligible to return voluntarily. Zones 3 and 4A begin on Friday, including Thickwood, Wood Buffalo, Gregoire, Prairie Creek and Saprae Creek Estates. Phase 4B, for Grayling Terrace and Draper, begins on Saturday, the statement said.

As of Thursday at 7 p.m., there were 2,520 firefighters and support staff working on the fire, as well as 99 helicopters and 226 pieces of heavy equipment. Wildfire crews from across the world are supporting Alberta’s efforts, including 299 firefighters from South Africa.

“Despite the significant work that has been done, the city today is not the city that residents left behind a month ago,” Premier Rachel Notley said in a press release earlier this week. “A boil-water advisory remains in effect, some health-care services are not available, and many businesses will not be open.”

However, she added that the “strength of the people of Fort McMurray in the face of this adversity continues to impress me every single day. Thank you for your patience, your resilience and your willingness to stick together. There is still a long road ahead of us, and we will travel it together. Alberta continues to stand with you.”

Never get tired of seeing this. #ymm #ymmfire

A video posted by L Kru (@laurenkrugel) on

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