Out-of-Control Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Alert for Fort McMurray Area

An out-of-control wildfire southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta, prompted an evacuation alert for the region, announced by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The alert encompasses Fort McMurray and Saprae Creek Estates, with the fire located 25 km from Fort McMurray and the Athabasca River valley, causing visibility issues on Highway 63. Residents are urged to be prepared for potential evacuations, ensuring essential items like medications, documents, and emergency kits are ready for swift departure. The fire was first reported by Alberta Wildfire about 28 km southwest of Fort McMurray and quickly grew.

Alberta Wildfire teams, including crews, air tankers, and night-vision helicopters, are actively working to contain the blaze, which has shown extreme fire behavior due to strong winds. Despite visible smoke in the area, no communities have been directly affected. As the fire continued to grow, reaching 200 hectares in size, Alberta Wildfire efforts intensified with additional crews and aerial support deployed. The situation remained critical, with the fire danger level expected to stay extreme. A fire restriction was in place for the Fort McMurray region to prevent further escalation.

The wildfire occurrence follows a provincial wildfire update by Alberta Wildfire officials, underscoring the unpredictable nature of fire conditions. With ongoing updates and alerts, residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for any sudden evacuation orders. For the latest developments and evacuation updates, individuals can refer to the official channels provided by CTV News and Corus Entertainment Inc.