Wildfire Forces Evacuation Order for 60,000+ in Fort McMurray, Canada

Massive wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta., destroys entire neighborhoods

A massive wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta., The entire city of 60,000 plus were ordered to evacuate. “Residents by the thousands fled the fire, and for hours caused gridlock on Highway 63, and even overwhelmed oilsands work camps, where beds and meals were offered.”

Tens of thousands of evacuees are headed for Edmonton, about 430km away, said reports.

“This is the biggest evacuation we have seen in the history of the province,” said Alberta Premier Rachel Notley at a news conference.

The entire neighborhood of Beacon Hill “appears to have been lost” and the fire has consumed many homes in other parts of the city, said the Fire chief Darby Allen.

“We have fire burning within the city. It is impacting communities. Homes are on fire as we speak,” he said.

By 6:30 p.m., the entire city was under a mandatory evacuation order, making it the largest wildfire evacuation in the province’s history, far surpassing the Slave Lake fire that made international headlines five years ago. http://www.cbc.ca/

The 3,000-hectare fire, which was discovered on Sunday, breached city limits on Tuesday.

In May 2015, wildfires forced the evacuation of hundreds of workers from Alberta’s oil sands region, resulting in a sizable loss in the oil production.

Related Links

• Wildfires Force Mass Evacuation of Alberta Oil Sands Staff  May 27, 2015