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Fire Could Double in Size by the End of Saturday; Province Announces Financial Support

May 7, 2016 | 8:18 AM

FORT MCMURRAY – In the face of an already grim reality, officials fear the already massive wildfire tearing through northern Alberta could double in size by the end of Saturday.

Chad Morrison, provincial manager of wildfire prevention, says extremely dry conditions and high temperatures are expected in the area along with strong winds.

He expects the blaze to expand into a more remote forested area northeast of Fort McMurray. At this point, no amount of resources can put the fire out. What’s needed is rain, a little of which is expected on Sunday.

There are currently 1,200 firefighters, approximately 110 helicopters, 295 pieces of heavy equipment and more than 27 air tankers on hand.

Fire conditions remain extreme across Alberta. In total, there are 40 wildfires burning, five of which are out of control.

 

In an update from the Alberta Government, those who have been displaced from the area will be provided with $1,250 per adult and $500 per dependant in emergency financial assistance.

That will most likely be provided in the form of pre-loaded debit cards. An update will be made by May 11 on how those funds can be accessed. Details will be made available at emergency.alberta.ca, or by calling 310-4455.

However, the government has asked that those not in dire need refrain from collecting the debit cards just yet, so those in the most immediate need can have ready access.

An initial $200-million will also be allocated from the province’s Disaster Recovery Program (DRP).

The program provides financial assistance to communities and their residents who incur uninsurable loss and damage as a result of a disastrous event. It was included in Budget 2016 to cover any emergency costs.

 

Alberta RCMP began controlling southbound traffic on Highway 63 yesterday, from a control point near the Parsons Creek Interchange north of Fort McMurray. On Friday, roughly 1,200 vehicles were able to pass through that point under RCMP escort to evacuate from areas north of the city.

The Parsons Creek control point was closed after 10-pm on Friday, but re-opened at 6-am on Saturday for more evacuations from oil and gas camps.

All non-essential travel along Highways 63 and 881 remains restricted. Only southbound travel is allowed from the Highway 63/881 junction, and those leaving from Anzac can head south on Highway 881. Northbound travel to Conklin is restricted.

 

A boil-water advisory is still in effect for Fort McMurray, Anzac, Conklin, Gregoire Lake Provincial Park, Janvier and nearby work camps, but excludes Fort McKay. Camps that get water from EPCOR, or any providers other than the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, are not affected.

Alberta Health Services say the Fort McMurray area and North Zone remain under an air-quality advisory, and residents should take appropriate precautions.

 

Evacuees are reminded that they should be registering with the Red Cross, so officials know where they are and how to get information to them. If driver’s licences or ID cards were left behind, evacuees can apply for new ones free of charge at any Alberta Registry, and replacement Health Care Insurance and Alberta Personal Health Cards can also be mailed to temporary addresses.

RCMP Inspector Kevin Kunetzki & Sergeant Jack Poitras will update and take media questions at 11-am.