A wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, which has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents, was contained on Thursday due to rain and cooler temperatures in the area. The blaze, covering 200 square kilometers (77 square miles), is the only designated out-of-control fire in the province. Despite remaining uncontrolled, the fire did not grow overnight.
Alberta provincial wildfire information officers mentioned that while most parts of the province experienced rain and cooler weather, the northern region, including Fort McMurray, is expected to remain dry and warm. The fire is currently situated approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the southwest outskirts of the city and less than five kilometers (3 miles) from the main highway south.
The rain and cooler temperatures have provided some relief to the firefighting efforts. Crews in Fort McMurray woke up to light rain, overcast skies, and lower temperatures, boosting hopes for progress in containing the fire. Mayor Sandy Bowman expressed optimism about the situation, with expectations that the weather conditions will aid in controlling the blaze.
Evacuated residents are likely to be unable to return home until at least next Tuesday, while the rest of the city and surrounding areas remain on evacuation alert. Fort McMurray had previously faced a devastating wildfire in 2016, resulting in the destruction of 2,400 homes and the evacuation of over 80,000 individuals.
Elsewhere in western Canada, wildfires have also led to evacuations:
- In northeastern British Columbia, the area around Fort Nelson, with a population of 4,700, remained under evacuation as the fire spread over 127 square kilometers (49 square miles). Light rain and cooler temperatures were expected to prevent further encroachment towards the town.
- In Manitoba, around 500 residents of the remote northwestern community of Cranberry Portage were still displaced. Officials reported that the fire was 80% contained, raising hopes for a possible return home for residents by the weekend.
