A total of 88,000 residents were affected by the ongoing blaze
A massive fire has been raging through the Fort McMurray region in Canada since the early hours of Sunday, and has left 88,000 people—it’s entire population— stranded in regions farther north and south of Fort McMurray. Out of those evacuated, around 8,000 people headed north and are currently being evacuated by air missions, in fear of them becoming entrapped in the spreading wildfire.
At the same time, authorities are cautioning and pulling another 17,000 citizens to safety on the southern path, wherein the Highway 63 will hopefully clear up by mid-Friday, so as to allow easier rescue missions for the helicopter-led fleet. Fort McMurray, located in the Canadian province of Alberta, has seen nearly 850 sq km of its forestland razed at the hands of the fire and has ruined more than 1,600 buildings across the city. The Premier of Alberta, Rachel Notley, admitted to the citizens that it would be a long time before they would be able to head back home.
The evacuees, especially those who have escaped towards the north have been seeking refuge in oil sand work camps. Another 4,000 have already been sent to Edmonton and Calgary by military as well as state transport. Several thousands of others are being sent to southern areas so as to allow smoother and better rehabilitation to the temporarily displaced.
Stated Ms. Notley,” Our focus right now is on getting those people south as quickly as possible. I must be very, very direct about this: it is apparent that the damage to the community of Fort McMurray is extensive and the city is not safe for residents. Unfortunately, we do know that it will not be a matter of days.”
Fortunately, there have been no casualties due to the blaze, and despite the inferno’s growing prowess due to the intense winds, it is under constant control, as stated by officials. However, some vehicle accidents have been reported from the crowded evacuation paths. The furnace, which originated in one of Alberta’s oil sands regions, has forced several projects to cut down production. A representative of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, Scott Long, has labelled the furnace ‘an extreme fire event’ and has said that it would have to rain for the 49 separate wildfires to be brought under full control. The Emergency centre has already deployed around 1,100 firefighters, 138 pieces of equipment, 22 air tankers and 145 helicopters for the task.
In that light, a cool weather and rain forecast is likely to bring respite to the citizens of Alberta.
Source (Story and images): BBC
Tags: Alberta canada Canada fire Fort McMurray
