According to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, neighourhoods under the evacuation order issued on Tuesday due to the ongoing wildfire situation in the Fort McMurray region are encouraged to plan to be away until at least May 21st.
According to a press release, Alberta Wildfire and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will work together to establish criteria needed to lift the evacuation order – typically this centers around the containment of the wildfire, but each fire situation is unique.
Jason Nixon, the MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, says he is a member of the emergency cabinet and, of course, they are working really closely with the Premier and all of their colleagues that are involved to be able to make sure they help get people who are evacuated to safety right now. Nixon says “Obviously to prepare in case the situation gets worse, so first off let’s hope and pray that this is as far as it needs to go. Although we are making sure we are ready in case we have to go further. Right now we are are making sure to get everybody to evacuation centers if they have been evacuated, and to be able to get the resources that they need in the short term. I think everybody should stay tuned, the government will be very clear about what is taking place and about where there may be needs that come up as we are able to get everybody down from Fort McMurray safely into different locations. At this point we are not calling for anything, other then to let everybody know what is going on. Pray for our neighbours up in Fort Mac and then stay tuned, we will be very clear with Albertans if we are looking for anymore help in a particular area.”
Nixon provides some reminders for those in this area who are planning on heading out to camp on the Victoria Day long weekend. He says “We are dealing with a pretty significant fire situation in the north. We’re lucky that we have seen a lot of moisture in our neck of the woods over the last couple days, so not as high of a risk as we were looking at before but I think it is good to remind everybody that we’re still dealing with fire risks across the province. We want to be able to make sure everybody is taking that into consideration, particularly when they are enjoying campfires – if they are allowed to in their areas and if they are not, paying attention to the restrictions because they are there for a reason. Of course, then just get out and be safe and enjoy your families and get ready for what I hope is going to be a great summer.”
For the latest evacuation alerts and for evacuee resources regarding the wildfire situation in the Fort McMurray region visit the website rmwb.ca/alerts.
For the most trusted and recent wildfire information, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.