Officials hope rain, favourable winds aid in fight against Fort McMurray wildfire

A wildfire southwest of Fort McMurray, pictured here on May 11, grew rapidly over the weekend.

Residents of Fort McMurray remain under orders to prepare to leave their homes at a moment's notice as wildfire threatens the northeast Alberta community.Residents of Fort McMurray remain under orders to prepare to leave their homes at a moment's notice as wildfire threatens the northeast Alberta community.

After a weekend that saw the fire grow rapidly amid extreme conditions, fire officials are hoping light rain and favourable winds might help fire crews gain the upper hand. "Fire activity is expected to remain low. More showers are expected tomorrow, which will help lower fire activity," reads a Sunday update posted to social media from the municipality.The fire grew rapidly over the weekend, driven by parched conditions and powerful winds. The fire estimated to cover 1,500 hectares on Saturday morning soon multiplied in size.

Structure protection was also installed on the industrial park located at the intersection of highways 63 and 881, officials said.

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