Suncor Energy Inc. is taking precautionary measures at its Firebag oilsands site due to a wildfire burning out of control nearby. The company is moving to have only essential personnel at the site, which produces about 215,000 barrels of oil per day. The wildfire is currently located approximately 8 km northeast of the Firebag main plant.
The RCMP is investigating a head-on collision on Highway 63 north of Mildred Lake that claimed the life of a man from Fort McMurray. A pickup truck traveling north collided with a semi-tractor trailer traveling south, and the driver of the pickup truck succumbed to his injuries. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the collision. The highway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
A raging wildfire in western Alberta has forced thousands of residents to evacuate, sparking fears of a repeat of the devastating 2016 blaze. The fire has nearly doubled in size and is approaching the city of Fort McMurray, prompting partial evacuations. Officials are monitoring changing weather conditions that may help push the fire away from the city, but they are urging residents to remain vigilant. The wildfire has also disrupted travel and tourism in the region, with many stores and schools closed due to the smoke. The situation highlights the challenges faced by communities in wildfire-prone areas and the importance of preparedness and effective response strategies.
A threatening wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, remains out of control, forcing thousands to evacuate. Premier Danielle Smith will hold a news conference Wednesday morning to provide an update on the situation, which has seen 6,600 residents from the southern part of the city forced to leave their homes. The wildfire, known as MWF-017, has grown to 20,940 hectares and is burning about 7.5 kilometers from the Fort McMurray landfill. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates as they become available.
Residents in northern Alberta remain on evacuation alert as wildfires continue to burn out of control, but fire officials report that a change in the weather is providing some assistance to crews. The largest fire in the province, estimated at 6,579 hectares, is located about 16 kilometers southeast of Fort McMurray and 12 km west of Highway 63. After a windy weekend that fueled rapid growth of the blaze, Alberta Wildfire officials issued an update on Monday stating that “light rain showers are expected today, which will help lower fire activity.” Environment Canada forecasts a high temperature of 19 C in Fort McMurray for Monday, with mainly cloudy skies, a 60% chance of showers, and winds from the southeast at 20 km/h. Fire officials anticipate that “this will give firefighters a good window to continue making progress on containing the fire,” while heavy equipment operates on a fire guard on the northeast side of the blaze. Six crews of firefighters are working to establish a containment line, supported by 13 helicopters and airtankers on standby. Notably, two night vision helicopters worked overnight to drop water on the fire using their buckets.
An evacuation order for Grande Prairie County has been downgraded to an alert as the wildfire moves away from the community. However, residents must prepare for a possible evacuation at any time. Meanwhile, evacuation alerts are still in place for Fort McMurray and surrounding areas in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). Fire crews and resources continue to work on the fire, which is expected to increase in activity as temperatures rise. Winds are expected to push the fire away from Highway 63 and towards the Athabasca River.
Evacuation alerts have been expanded to include several new communities as firefighters battle strong winds and a growing wildfire near Fort McMurray, Alberta. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has expanded its alert to include Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Anzac, Fort McMurray First Nation #468, Gregoire Lake Estates, and Rickards Landing Industrial Park due to the risk of wildfire. The wildfire, which has grown to over 1,400 hectares, remains out of control and is located 16 km southwest of Fort McMurray on the south side of the Athabasca River valley. Five crews of wildland firefighters, nine helicopters, and air tankers are working to contain the blaze. Residents in affected areas are advised to be prepared to evacuate on short notice. The latest evacuation information can be found on the Alberta Emergency Alert website.
