Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith alongside Todd Loewen (Minister of Forestry and Parks), Mike Ellis (Public Safety and Emergency Services) and Christie Tucker (Alberta Wildfire Information Unit Manager) spoke to media on Wednesday morning about the ongoing out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray, following their evacuation order for four neighbourhoods.
The MWF-017 wildfire near Fort McMurray is now 5.5 kilometres from the city’s landfill, two kilometres closer than it was on Tuesday afternoon. The fire is 4.5 kilometres from the Highway 63 and Highway 881 intersection and is about 21,000 hectares in size according to the latest information.
The fire is being treated as a top priority by government authorities with 117 firefighters along with 14 helicopters now dispatched to the region.
Christie Tucker said in the press conference the latest news on wind direction bodes well for their fire crews, as it’s blowing away from the four evacuated neighbourhoods and the community.
Evacuees displaced from their homes have a few options to choose from including the Clareview Recreation Centre in Edmonton, evacuees can go to the centre for food and resting. Centres have also opened up in Cold Lake and Lac La Biche.
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health was also present at the conference and mentioned many people may re-live trauma from previous fires in the region. She says there will be mental health services and Indigenous oriented services for anyone who may need to speak with someone.
Many people displaced from their homes are asking the same question, when will they be able to get home? Director of Emergency Management, Chief Jody Butz spoke to media at a separate press conference hosted by the Regional Municiaplity of Wood Buffalo and gave a rough timeline on when people could come home.
The Mayor of Wood Buffalo, Sandy Bowman left a message for all evacuees and members of the community, saying events like this can only bring people together.
Both the RMWB and Alberta Government urge Albertans to follow the wildfire updates closely, to get up to date information you can visit the Alberta Wildfire website.
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