Fire brings back difficult memories for many residents who, in 2016, had to race to safety as a wildfire nicknamed ‘The Beast’ tore through Fort McMurray
Alberta wildfire officials say cooler temperatures and winds working in their favour could push a massive blaze away from the northern community of Fort McMurray where thousands of people have been forced from their homes – but the situation remains volatile.
“But, obviously, weather can change quickly so we don’t want to make any promises,” she said at a news conference with officials from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo .There was some rain overnight but Ms. St-Onge said when the smoke clears out and the sun comes up, fire activity is expected to pick up again but stressed that there are lot of resources “ready to react.” Currently, there are 117 firefighters and 21 helicopters assigned to the wildfire.
In Fort McMurray, more than 6,000 people living in four neighbourhoods at highest risk remain out of their homes, after being ordered to evacuate on Tuesday. Most of the city is under an evacuation alert and could be forced to leave if the situation worsens. Tuesday’s wall of smoke prompted many to leave the city without an official order to avoid a repeat of the chaos of the 2016 evacuation. Roughly 90,000 people were displaced because of a wildfire nicknamed “The Beast” that levelled homes and businesses eight years ago.
Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the fear and uncertainty being felt by residents in Fort McMurray and offered her sympathy to those affected. “There’s definitely the replay factor where I’m thinking about some of the worst of it and the imagery and seeing the flames back years ago,” said Mr. Reeve. He said smoke and fire levels are not like they were last time but that his family has made plans to stay with friends in Edmonton if ordered to leave.
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