A mandatory evacuation order has been extended for thousands of residents in the fire-ravaged Alberta town of Slave Lake, which is normally a destination for many during the Victoria Day long weekend.
But as wildfires continue to ravage parts of northern Alberta, residents are expressing frustration and confusion over the temporary housing funds they've been promised by the province.
Earlier this week, the Alberta government announced it would cover up to 100 per cent of the housing cost until August for those residents unable to afford a temporary place to stay.
Residents, however, are finding the process difficult.
Not only are residents required to travel to either specific offices in Edmonton or an evacuation center to claim the money, but they also must essentially argue for it -- demonstrating need.
Adding to the frustration, the Alberta government said Saturday it's unclear when Slave Lake's 7,000 residents will be allowed to return to their homes.
"I was speaking with several people yesterday who say they are so frustrated they are considering forming a convoy and driving right past to defy the authorities," CTV Edmonton's Bill Fortier reported.
RCMP officers warned, however, that it's simply not safe for residents right now. Fumes may still be toxic, there's no running gas and there's still a fire risk present.
Meanwhile, officials from the Transportation Safety Board in Alberta have been sent to investigate the crash of a helicopter involved in fighting fires. The pilot died in Friday's crash, claiming the week-old fire's first victim.
The pilot died after his chopper went down in the waters of Lesser Slave Lake, not far from where crews have been battling massive wildfires that have forced thousands from their homes.
Fellow chopper pilot Jeff Sim said that the environment among fire crews has been very somber following news of the death
The crew will likely be removing the chopper from the water to examine the wreck to determine the cause of the tragedy. Officials know the pilot was involved in water bombing at the time, but it's unclear if he was loading water or dropping it.
The pilot has not been identified, but officials say that he was declared dead at the scene of the crash.
Barry Holt, lead TSB investigator, said that nothing has been ruled out yet.
"We're going to be looking at everything, the whole airframe, the engine. At this point we're not certain what happened," he said.
Currently, both fires in the Slave Lake area are still out of control. The situation, however has improved as 2,000 firefighters and support staff continue to battle the fire that has consumed an estimated one-third of the town's homes and businesses.
Overall, B.C. has now sent 550 firefighters to Alberta – the most ever sent to another province. Forestry Minister Steve Thomson said B.C. is able to help because the fire danger rating in the westernmost province is currently low to moderate.
