Wildfires have forced thousands out of several communities in Western Canada.
In Fort Nelson, B.C., about 4,700 people are out of their homes. Roughly 6,600 residents have been evacuated out of parts of Fort McMurray, Alta., while the rest of the city remains on evacuation alert. And a fire near Cranberry Portage, Man., has forced out about 500 residents.
Here are the latest developments (all times are MT):
11:05 a.m.
The BC Wildfire Service says conditions remain unseasonably warm and dry throughout much of the province, raising the risk of fires sparking and spreading.
It says there’s potential for gusty winds to fan aggressive fire behaviour in the north later in the day, including the Fort Nelson area, where an 84 square-kilometre blaze is burning just outside the town.
The service says most spring wildfires are typically caused by human activity.
It says everyone must do their part to avoid sparking a blaze.
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11 a.m.
A public information meeting is set to take place this afternoon for evacuees from the Fort Nelson area in northeastern B.C., as a wildfire burns just outside the town.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality says the meeting is to take place at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John.
Fort Nelson, a community of about 4,700, has been under an evacuation order since Friday.
Mayor Rob Fraser has urged residents not to return to their homes, after the RCMP had to relocate a safety checkpoint outside the community.
Fraser says emergency crews need to focus on their work rather than looking out for residents heading back into harm’s way. (edited)
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10:55 a.m.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her heart goes out to Fort McMurray residents who have had to leave their homes eight years after a blaze known as The Beast devastated parts of the city.
However, Smith says the evacuation order affecting about 6,000 residents is necessary for public safety.
Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen says bans on fires and off-road vehicles are in place for the area.
He says fierce winds are responsible for pushing the fire close to the city.
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10:40 a.m.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says fires this year have already burned through more the 23,000 square kilometres.
That’s already enough to place 2024 in the middle of the rankings for the total amounts burned in entire years since 2008.
A record 284,000 square kilometres of land was scorched last year.
The wildfire service says there are 128 active wildfires in the province, including 15 that are burning out of control.
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10:25 a.m.
Several energy companies say the wildfire threatening Fort McMurray, Alta., is not posing a risk to operations.
Suncor Energy, MEG Energy and Cenovus Energy say they are monitoring their operations.
Suncor spokesman Leithan Slade says some employees and contractors are affected with the partial evacuation of Fort McMurray, and their safety is a top priority.
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10 a.m.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says crews worked until 3 a.m. dropping water on the fire near Fort McMurray, Alta., which has grown to 210 square kilometres in size.
It says crews are also building a containment line near the city’s landfill.
The regional municipality says a small amount of rain last night is expected to have little impact on the fire.
A reception centre for evacuees has opened in Edmonton.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2024.
The Canadian Press
