Fort McMurray residents flee in the largest fire evacuation in Alberta's history

[misskit]

Fort McMurray fire officials are prepared for another challenging day Wednesday as firefighters try to save the oilsands city from a massive wildfire that has destroyed homes and businesses, and forced the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history.

Tens of thousands of people have fled north and south.

Fuelled by soaring temperatures that hit 32 C and tinder-dry forest, the fire broached the city limits and by 6:20 p.m. a mandatory evacuation order was issued for the entire city.

“Today has been a devastating day. We have had explosive fire conditions on the landscape brought on by extremely high temperatures” and low relative humidity, Bernie Schmitte, wildfire manager at Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, said Tuesday night during a news conference.

“The fire is still out of control,” Schmitte said. “We have been challenged on many fronts as the fire came through the community. It has entered the community and it has gone through the community.”

Officials have accounted for about 53,000 people, including 17,000 people north of the city, 8,000 in Anzac, 9,000 in Lac La Biche, and 18,000 in Edmonton. Fort McMurray has population of 83,000. “This is not an exact science,” one official said when asked about the discrepancy.

No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported at this time.

Military help has been requested through the province. That assistance will come from the Army and Royal Canadian Air Force. It will take about two days for the military to respond.

There are about 150 firefighters tackling the blaze. Another 70 to 80 firefighters to arrive Wednesday, including fire crews from Edmonton which are being escorted to Fort McMurray by four marked Edmonton Police Service cruisers.

Travel in the area is tough. Officials said there is no more gasoline fuel in Fort McMurray, Wandering River and Grasslands.

Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen said temperatures are expected to hit 30 C and increased wind will combine for another challenging day Wednesday.

more here Fort McMurray residents flee in the largest fire evacuation in Alberta?s history | Edmonton Journal

[BaitongBoy]

Thanks, misskit...Finally made the news on TD...Those people were lucky to get out...Traffic grid there in busy season is much worse than Bangkok...Imagine a mad rush of tens of thousands of people...

Lucky, although debatable, they have the most stringent safety practices anywhere in the world...But it ain't no drill...It's the real thing, baby!...

Socal, where are you, lad?...You could be our roving reporter...If Emma tags along, you could be raving, if you like...Heh...

[BaitongBoy]

Ironically, World Asthma Day?...Jaysus!...

[bsnub]

This is a lot worse then the article makes it out. From what I am hearing the entire city could be lost. 88,000 told to evacuate.

[VocalNeal]

Imagine a mad rush of tens of thousands of people...

All on Harleys

<hr>----
I was evacuated once because of forest fire. Got to the designated refuge with wife two children and a dog, only to be told dogs weren't allowed.
WTF he had been a family member longer than the children! Not amused.

There is an amateur video somewhere.

[BaitongBoy]

Fort McMurray wildfire burning so hot only weather can stop it:
CBC, Lucas Powers



Emergency Declared As Fire Burns Canada Oil Town

The raging wildfire that forced the evacuation of Fort McMurray, Alta., and engulfed parts of the town is the kind of blaze that firefighters dread but could become more common, according to experts.

Alternatively described by officials as "catastrophic," a "multi-headed monster" and a "dirty, nasty" fire, the blaze is at least 10,000 hectares in area and has destroyed more than 1,600 structures. It could threaten the entire town, they said.

More than 150 firefighters are battling the fire — which became so intense Tuesday that the shear heat limited air operations over the affected areas — on multiple fronts. Hundreds more from other provinces are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Temperatures are expected to remain high, with a glimmer of hope on the horizon as a cold front approaches. It could, however, bring lightning with it, possibly starting more fires. It is a nearly impossible situation.