The largest wildfire and evacuation of an area in Alberta’s history is making news all across the world tonight.
The northeastern town, with a population in excess of 80,000, came under mandatory evacuation orders earlier today as the wind changed direction and swept the fire into the town.
Highway #63 was jammed as tens of thousands of people fled both north and south; many cars becoming stranded as they ran out of gas.
Edmonton’s Northlands Expo site is expecting 18,000 evacuees to arrive overnight. Many work camps to the north of the city are also taking in evacuees.
As unimaginable as it seems, tomorrow could actually be worse. Winds are expected to increase during the afternoon tomorrow and possibly change direction, with gusts up to 50klm/hour in the forecast.
Social Media plays a crucial role in times of disasters helping loved ones stay in contact with each other. Facebook and Twitter are carrying posts and tweets with #yymfire.
Wildrose official Opposition Leader Brian Jean left Edmonton for Fort McMurray to offer support. Jean is the MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin and has also lost his home to the fire.
Notley said the focus was to get people safely out of harm’s way. “All Albertans are watching this, all Albertans are with the people of Fort McMurray,” Notley said. Notley also thanked the first responders and industry partners that are assisting with firefighting efforts. The premier said she had already spoken with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about possible assistance.
Justin Trudeau Tweeted:
My thoughts are with people affected by the fire in Fort McMurray tonight. Stay safe and remember to follow evacuation orders. #ymmfire
Bernie Schmitte, wildfire manager at Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, said Tuesday night during a news conference. “Today has been a devastating day. We have had explosive fire conditions on the landscape brought on by extremely high temperatures” and low relative humidity. “The fire is still out of control,” Schmitte said. “We have been challenged on many fronts as the fire came through the community. It has entered the community and it has gone through the community.”
There are about 150 firefighters and another 80 expected to arrive tomorrow (Wednesday). No injuries have been reported at this time.
Alberta RCMP K Division spokesman Sgt. John Spaans said, “We’re supporting the emergency response by the province,” adding that detachments from across the province have sent officers to help with the emergency response. “Our involvement at this point is to ensure public safety.”
Alberta Health Services said 105 patients, including 73 patients and 32 continuing care patients, were hurriedly removed from the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in a 90-minute period early Tuesday evening.
The patients were taken by bus to an oilsands site north of Fort McMurray and are out of danger. AHS has arranged to have a 737 plane fly patients from the oilsands site. The flight was expected to take place late Tuesday. “We are extremely grateful and proud of our AHS staff who have stayed with their patients and clients to care for them, despite their own personal situations caused by the wildfire in Fort McMurray,” AHS said.
Alberta Emergency Alert issued the following statement at 11:47pm tonight (Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016).