(Fort McMurray, AB – May 2, 2016) As of 1 a.m. on May 2, the forest fire burning southwest of Fort McMurray was approximately 1.2 kilometres west of Hwy. 63 and Airport Road; it had not crossed the Hangingstone River. Air quality continues to be a potential risk to residents of the Gregoire area and is subject to wind conditions.
Mandatory Evacuation Order:
The Prairie Creek and Centennial trailer park mandatory evacuation order remains in effect. Evacuees should go to MacDonald Island Park.
Transportation to MacDonald Island Park is available from the locations listed below. Please note that pets will be accepted.
Pickup locations:
- Shell station at Hwy 63 entrance to Centennial trailer park
- Greely Road School front entrance
- Intersection of Airport Road and Arabian Drive
Due to changing fire conditions, the mandatory evacuation notice for Gregoire is reduced to a voluntary shelter in place notice for the residential area located east of Gregoire Drive/Mackenzie Boulevard and north of Mackay Crescent/Maclean Road. Residents with a physical, emotional or medical condition may be impacted by poor air quality. Please turn off all outside sources of air and remain in your home. For information on how to shelter in place, please visit www.rmwb.ca/areyouready.
Please note that regular transit service may experience delays through May 2.
Next steps:
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) staff will continue to monitor the situation overnight and provide an update following an aerial assessment.