Fort McMurray wildfire expected to reach 200,000 hectares by early Sunday
Posted May 7, 2016 8:26 am.
Last Updated May 7, 2016 10:53 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The wind and hot temperatures are worrying fire crews in and around Fort McMurray.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has sent out an update Saturday evening; the fire is expected to reach 200,000 hectares in size by midnight Saturday, and could reach the Saskatchewan border.
Environment Canada says there is a 30 per cent of showers late tomorrow morning and a 60 per cent chance tomorrow night, but it is not the soaking rain that fire crews need to get the upper hand the wildfire that is predicted to double in size by the end of today.
Canadian officials are continuing to transport people out of the area.
Police and military are overseeing another procession of vehicles Saturday, and the mass airlift of evacuees was also set to resume. About 2,500 vehicles and 7,000 people had passed through Fort McMurray on Friday despite a one-hour interruption due to heavy smoke.
More than 80,000 people have left the area in the heart of Canada’ oil sands, where the fire has torched 1,600 homes and other buildings.
660’s Ian Campbell is in the community of Lac La Biche:
