Crews build guards south of Fort McMurray, winds to push wildfire north

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The wildfire southwest of Fort McMurray did not grow overnight, although winds are expected to push the fire in the direction of the city. Crews continue building fire guards between the wildfire and Fort McMurray, while Alberta Wildfire hopes light rain will help slow growth.

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The wildfire, classified as MWF-017, remains out of control. It is 6,579 hectares and 16 kilometres southwest of Fort McMurray and 12 kilometres northwest of Highway 63. The cause of the wildfire is still being investigated.

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An evacuation warning is still active for people in Fort McMurray, Anzac, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, Gregoire Lake Estates, Saprae Creek Estates and Rickards Landing Industrial Park.

Crews are using heavy equipment to build a fire guard on the northeast side of the fire, creating a barrier between the fire and Fort McMurray. Six crews of firefighters continue to work on a containment line. They are being supported by 13 helicopters. Airtankers will be available if required.

Sprinklers were installed yesterday at the Rickards Landing Industrial Park. More sprinklers are being installed in Gregoire Lake Estates and the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation as a precautionary measure.

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Two helicopters equipped with night vision were used during the evening to attack the wildfire with their water buckets.

Fort McMurray’s public and Catholic school districts are keeping their schools open on Monday. Both districts anticipate some families will keep children home while people in much of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo are being told to prepare for a potential evacuation.

Smoke is expected to enter the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) says much of this smoke will come from wildfires in northern B.C.

“We know the presence of wildfires and smoke in the region can cause a wide range of emotions,” reads an 11 a.m. statement from the RMWB. “Many local public and professional mental health resources are available for anyone who needs support.”

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Crews rush to battle wildfire near Fort Chipewyan

A second wildfire, classified as MWF-023, is burning out of control near Fort Chipewyan, but is not on evacuation warning.

It is one hectare in size as of 9:30 a.m. The wildfire was spotted on the far side of an existing firebreak. The fire is three kilometres northeast of the Fort Chipewyan Airport and nine kilometres northeast of Fort Chipewyan.

Firefighters are responding and more resources are being flown into the area.  The cause of this wildfire is also being investigated.

A wildfire outside the northern hamlet forced roughly 1,000 people to leave the Fort Chipewyan area last year. The fire never entered the community, although some cabins were destroyed.

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The municipality advises people to:  

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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