Leadership of Fort Chipewyan are are in the early planning stages for the return of nearly 1,000 people after a wildfire triggered a mandatory evacuation on May 30.
However, the wildfire’s southern flank closest to Fort Chipewyan still needs to be brought under control.
As of June 17, 53 per cent of the fire’s southern flank was contained. The wildfire covers more than 600 square kilometres. It remains seven kilometres from the community and has not moved closer in more than a week.
Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro of Mikisew Cree First Nation said he knows his people are anxious to come home, thinking the wildfire is over “But right now it is not.”
There are 214 firefighters and emergency workers securing the community and battling the wildfires.
And even when it is safe to return, stores will need to be resupplied and roads need to be cleared of debris. Checkpoints and fire protection systems in the community need to be taken down. Police and bylaw officers, health care workers, paramedics, and airport staff will also need to prepare for the arrival of residents.
Chief Tuccaro told residents that “Everyone will come home soon enough when it is safe to do so.”
