Fort McMurray evacuees being ordered to evacuate again
Posted May 4, 2016 3:43 pm.
Last Updated May 5, 2016 12:42 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Some evacuated residents of Fort McMurray are having to pack up again as officials have determined they need to get out of their emergency shelter in Anzac.
As of Wednesday evening, that includes the Emergency Operations Centre which is being relocated south to Lac La Biche.
The Rural Municipality of Wood Buffalo has tweeted that because of changing weather patterns, they have been advised by Alberta Forestry to clear out Anzac, Gregoire Estates and Fort McMurray First Nation.
Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake has also confirmed the new evacuation.
Officials say RCMP went door to door in the affected communities and buses were expected to leave the area by midnight.
They stress that residents are urged to remain calm “as there is adequate time for evacuation in a safe and timely manner.”
This comes on the heels of the Alberta government declaring a provincial state of emergency on Wednesday.
The mandatory evacuation order remains in effect and affects approximately 80,000 people.
Residents should not attempt to return home.
In terms of structures lost, the total remains around 1,600.
The fire as of Wednesday evening was still threatening the airport & Saprae Creek up to Old Airport Road with crews on scene.
Highway 63 remains closed at Highway 69 after the fire breached the roadway on Wednesday afternoon.
A fire at Canwest Propane has also been extinguished and fire crews managed to save the water treatment plant.
Blackburn Drive has dealt with three structure fires, Walnut Cresent, fifteen fires, while the new school being built in North Parsons has been lost.
The worst hit residential areas include Waterways, where 90 percent of homes are lost, as well as Beacon Hill, where 70 per cent of the homes are lost.
There are also 15 structure fires being reported in Timberlea, while those in Birchwood Trails have been extinguished.
There are no reported blazes in Thickwood and Gregoire residential is also unaffected.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Canadian Forces for air support to assist with transportation as needed.
More than 250 firefighters, helicopters and air tankers are currently fighting this fire.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation have both declared a state of local emergency.
Alberta Transportation also arranged for a fuel tanker along Highway 63 to assist stranded motorists.
As of Wednesday night, three emergency fuel stations are also operating in safety rest areas along Highway 63: The first, approx. 60 kms south of Fort McMurray, another at the 100 km mark south of Fort Mac and the other 165 kms to the south.
Officials stress though that quantities are limited.
Evacuation information:
There are currently six reception centres operating within the province. Details are available on the Alberta government emergency updates website.
Evacuees should contact Red Cross at 1-888-350-6070 to register their location. It’s important to register to ensure officials know how to reach you and to verify you got out safely.
Information for affected residents:
Evacuated residents should retain all their receipts for food purchases, accommodations and other related expenses to provide to their insurer for possible reimbursement.
A boil-water advisory has been issued by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. This advisory also affects camps within the region.
Albertans can stay informed on latest developments by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert and Alberta Wildfire apps.
Alberta Health Services has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Fort McMurray area; residents are advised to take appropriate precautions.
Mental health support is available by calling Alberta’s 24-hour Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.
Closures and affected services:
All provincial offices in Fort McMurray are closed due to the evacuation.
Motorists should not travel to Fort McMurray on either Highway 63 or Highway 881. Only essential travel should be undertaken.
Highway 63 is closed at the Airport Road Junction. Only southbound traffic may pass through the barricade.
There are traffic controls in place at Highway 63 and 881. Priority is given to emergency responders. Southbound traffic is allowed.
Traffic controls are in place at Highway 63 and 55 at Atmore Drive. Only traffic to Wandering River is allowed to pass.
Traffic controls are in place at Highway 851 and 881. Drivers are allowed to travel as far as Conklin.
