Current situation

  • As of May 18 at 10:30 a.m., the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has lifted the state of local emergency, as well as the evacuation order for the communities of Abasand, Beacon Hill, Prairie Creek and Grayling Terrace. All residents may return home. More information is available at www.rmwb.ca.
  • The MWF017 wildfire is still considered out of control and remains approximately 5.5 km southwest of the Fort McMurray landfill and 4.5 km from the intersection of Hwy 63 and Hwy 881.
  • A more accurate scan of the wildfire perimeter has resulted in a reduced area – 19,582 hectares – affected by wildfire. Fire activity was low May 17, with no growth.
  • While the risk of wildfire spread has reduced, wildland firefighting crews, helicopters and heavy equipment will continue fighting the wildfire until it is extinguished. Dozer guards and other fire suppression equipment is also in place to ensure community safety.  
  • Heavy equipment operators completed construction of a fire guard that stretches from the Athabasca River to Highway 63. Work will now focus on the perimeter of the wildfire and  establish more containment lines on the north and east sides.
  • Overnight precipitation (about 10 mm) is expected to lead to subdued fire activity again today. Rain showers are forecast and no new fire growth is expected today.
  • A fire ban remains in place in the Fort McMurray, High Level and Grande Prairie Forest areas, as well as an off-highway vehicle restriction in the southern portion of the Fort McMurray Forest area. This means that the recreational use of off-highway vehicles on public land is prohibited.
  • These bans are in place to limit the number of human-caused wildfires.
  • There are currently 42 wildfires burning in the forest protection area of Alberta.
  • Since Jan.1, there have been 327 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 28,835.7 hectares. Of these wildfires, one is classified as out of control, two are classified as being held, 17 are under control, three have been turned over and 304 are extinguished.
  • Current wildfire information is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Support for evacuees

  • Support continues to be available to Albertans 24-7. Visit alberta.ca/emergency or call 310-4455.
  • Number of people registered at evacuation centres: 3,028
  • People who are part of a mandatory evacuation order for 7 or more days may be eligible to receive a one-time payment of $1,250 for each adult and an additional $500 for each child under the age of 18.
  • People who left their community, but who were not part of a mandatory evacuation order, are not eligible for payment.
  • More information on how to apply will be available soon on alberta.ca/emergency.

Roads and Highways

  • There are currently no highway closures due to wildfires.
  • Visit 511.alberta.ca for up-to-date information on road closures and travel advisories.

Health Care

Education

Alberta Emergency Alerts

For up-to-the-minute Alberta Emergency Alert information visit: Alberta Emergency Alert.

Albertans are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.

Emergency Preparedness

Get ready for emergencies and disasters by taking simple steps now. To be prepared, Albertans need to know what to do, where to go, and have enough supplies for a week or more. Supplies include food, water, medications and important documents. Include supplies for pets as well. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness.

Wildfire Updates

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen will provide a weekly briefing with officials from Alberta Wildfire and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

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