The Fort McMurray wildfire remained unchanged in size on Friday morning, hovering around 19,820 hectares. Despite its proximity to major highways and the Fort McMurray landfill site, officials anticipate subdued wildfire behavior due to cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and rain.
Between 20 and 80 millimeters of rain is forecast for the region in the coming days, with 8.7 to 10.3 mm already falling overnight. Winds are expected to blow from the northeast on Friday at speeds of 20 km/h.
As of Thursday, Alberta Wildfire reported 2,597 evacuees and 379 pets registered at reception centers in Edmonton, Lac La Biche, and Cold Lake. Evacuation orders remain in effect for the Fort McMurray communities of Abasand, Beacon Hill, Grayling Terrace, and Prairie Creek, with officials expecting them to remain in place until at least Tuesday.
Active firefighting efforts continue with the construction of a fire break between the Athabasca River and Horse River, and structure protection has been completed in several neighborhoods and industrial areas.
