The wildfire that devastated parts of Fort McMurray has grown in size and crossed into Saskatchewan from Alberta, officials say.
At a news conference on Thursday morning local time, Alberta officials said the fire has grown to 505,000 hectares as firefighters attempt to contain it.
Alberta wildfire manager Chad Morrison said that approximately 700 hectares are burning on the Saskatchewan side of the provincial border with Alberta. The fire is approximately 30 kilometres away from the community of La Loche.
Morrison also said that no immediate communities are in danger.
However, emergency management commissioner Duane McKay said while there is no direct threat to La Loche, smoke is a concern in the community.
Cooler temperatures in the Fort McMurray region are helping with firefighting efforts, Morrison told reporters. The current temperature in Fort McMurray is 16 C with a humidity of 40 per cent, which is giving firefighters an opportunity to strengthen their positions and deploy more ground resources.
Danielle Larivee, Alberta’s minister of municipal affairs, said that as recovery workers are being allowed back inside the hospital in Fort McMurray in order to get it operational again. Retailers were also allowed back in Fort McMurray to ensure that when evacuees return, there are basic amenities available.
On Wednesday, the Alberta government said evacuees who fled the fires in Fort McMurray could start returning home starting June 1 if conditions are deemed safe. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated from the northern Alberta city since the wildfire began posing a danger on the community two weeks ago.
The fire destroyed some homes, but thanks to the work of firefighters, roughly 90 per cent of the city remains intact.
Premier Rachel Notley said the re-entry plan would be done in stages, and completed by June 15. However, if conditions are not suitable, those with respiratory problems, late-term pregnant women and people undergoing cancer treatment may need to stay away longer.
In a teleconference Thursday afternoon, Melissa Blake, mayor of the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo said she’s confident the June 1 re-entry date can be met, particularly because firefighters were able to make major headway in their efforts.
“The difference today is that we’ve actually had a wonderful day with the weather,” Blake said, adding it’s helping firefighters in “taming this crazy beast.”
Blake also said she was told that the air quality in the region on Thursday was “off the charts” and “almost normal for the community under regular circumstances.”
