All of Fort McMurray remains under mandatory evacuation as wildfire rages on

It’s being called the biggest fire evacuation operation in Alberta’s history and there’s no sign it’s slowing down.

All of Fort McMurray has been under a mandatory evacuation order since 6 p.m. Tuesday, as a raging wildfire continues to grow due to the hot and dry conditions and shifting winds.

The fire worsened dramatically in a very short time and many residents had little notice to flee.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says the province is doing all it can to ensure everyone is safe.

Notley says she’s planning to head to Fort McMurray on Wednesday to show her government’s support and assess the situation.

 

Emergency officials are saying whole neighbourhoods of Fort McMurray have been destroyed by the wildfire that has engulfed a large swath of the northern Alberta community.

Forestry Manager Bernie Schmitte says it was an explosive day for firefighters because of the hot, dry conditions. He says at this point they are focusing on extinguishing fires and don’t have a count as to how many homes or buildings were damaged or destroyed but say the fire is burning in several areas in the city’s south end.

They said there have been no reports of serious injuries and right now the priority is keeping it that way.

They say the focus of the next 12 to 24 hours is what’s being called the ‘preservation of life.’

They are also trying to maintain the crucial infrastructure in the city, including the only bridge across the Athabasca River and Highway 63, the only route to the city from the south.

The leader of Alberta’s Opposition had said that much of downtown Fort McMurray is being destroyed by fire, but the fire chief said there had mostly been spot fires which have been extinguished.

Brian Jean also says he believes his home has been destroyed.

Evacuation numbers due to the wildfire now well exceeds 50,000.

Contrary to earlier media reports, Fort McMurray’s evacuated hospital is not on fire at this time.

Also getting reports of stranded motorists due to fuel shortages with some generous folks stopping to provide fuel.

City officials are also asking the province for additional resources including food and water and members of the Canadian military are expected to arrive to lend a hand in the coming days.

Officials believe their battle with the wildfire is far from over with the forecast for Wednesday calling for hot and windy conditions.

They say their goal is to keep people safe until the danger passes after which they can not only survey the damage but start to rebuild.

Reception Centres have been set up in Lac La Biche at the Bold Centre and in Edmonton at Northlands for residents evacuating to the south.