Evacuation Alert Issued for Fort McMurray as Wildfire Threatens Alberta
Out-of-Control Fire Threatens Major Canadian Oil Town
Toronto, Canada:
An evacuation alert has been issued for Fort McMurray, Alberta, as an out-of-control fire rages southwest of the major Canadian oil town, marking the beginning of the wildfire season. The Alberta government stated that the wildfire danger is “extreme” in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, with a fire that is out of control and currently measures 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres).
Current Situation:
The alert came late on Friday, warning of strong winds expected on Saturday as a cold front passes over the region. Helicopter pilots have been using night vision equipment to monitor the wildfire area overnight. In 2016, a massive wildfire in Fort McMurray prompted the evacuation of 90,000 residents and disrupted over a million barrels per day of oil production.
Related Alerts:
Residents in Saprea Creek Estates have also been placed on alert by the municipality of Wood Buffalo. In British Columbia, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality issued an evacuation order for the town of Fort Nelson.
Forecasted Conditions:
The federal government has warned of another potentially catastrophic wildfire season for Canada, predicting higher-than-normal spring and summer temperatures across much of the country due to El Nino weather conditions. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meeting with fire chiefs in West Kelowna, emphasized concerns about the upcoming forest fire season.
Canada experienced its worst-ever fire season last year, with over 6,600 blazes scorching 15 million hectares, an area approximately seven times the annual average. The devastating season resulted in the loss of eight firefighters’ lives and the evacuation of 230,000 people from their homes.
