Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - May 31, 2016 8 a.m.

Posted on Mon, May 30, 2016

 

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The priorities for wildfires are to protect homes, critical infrastructure, the safety of first responders, and to limit wildfire spread.


HORSE RIVER FIRE UPDATE

The wildfire experienced minimal growth and is estimated to be 579,946 hectares in size (including SK). Crews and Heavy equipment continued to make steady progress. Over 386 kilometres of dozer guard has been completed.

There are 1,754 wildland firefighters and support staff, 72 helicopters (five heavy helicopters), and 252 pieces of heavy equipment. Planning continues for the arrival of additional firefighters over the next week. There are firefighters from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, Parks Canada, Nova Scotia, PEI, Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), and the US.  


SAFETY

When you return to Fort McMurray you may see smoke and haze throughout the community, smouldering ground fire, numerous firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment. Several crews of municipal and wildland firefighters continue to work on extinguishing smoldering ground fires in the community.

For your safety and to assist our firefighters, please avoid areas where firefighters are actively working, areas of smouldering ground fire and any burned areas.

If you have health concerns, please contact Alberta Health Link  at 811. 

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PHASED RE-ENTRY FOR FORT MCMURRAY EXPECTED FOR JUNE 1

A voluntary, phased re-entry for the safe return of Fort McMurray residents will begin tomorrow if future wildfire conditions do not delay restoration efforts. Re-entry should be complete by June 15 to coincide with full restoration of Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. Click here for complete details.

 


FORECAST

A mix of sun and cloud. Fog patches dissipating early this morning. Local smoke this afternoon. High 19. UV index 6 or high. Tonight A few clouds. Low 8.


FIRE BAN

A fire ban is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Prohibited

  • All open fires, including wood campfires, charcoal briquette fires, turkey fryers, and tiki torches
  • The use of incendiary targets

Allowed

  • Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved and UL certified
  • Propane barbeques and stoves
  • Catalytic or infrared style heaters

Check albertafirebans.ca for the location of fire bans, restrictions and advisories as well as for more information on what is and is not included in the ban or call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (394-3473).


OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV) RESTRICTION

Recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) is restricted on all public lands and provincial parks, including designated OHV trails. The restriction does not apply to agriculture, public safety, commercial/industrial or Indigenous peoples when exercising a right recognized and affirmed under Part II of the Constitution Act, 1982 or a right under section 12 of the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement. The restriction will remain in effect until further notice.

Check emergency.alberta.ca for more information on the OHV restriction.

For more information contact: Wildfire Information Coordinator 780-743-7265 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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