The Fort McMurray wildfire: what you need to know

It's been almost two weeks since the fire known as "the beast" tore through Fort McMurray and the surrounding area.

The fireleft 94,000 displaced and destroyed over 2,000 structures.Although there is still power and water being supplied to the community significant portions remainwithout these amenities.

• Fort McMurray evacuees: A list of resources available across Alberta
• Fort McMurray fire: How to help or get help in Calgary

As of May13th, the area is once again facing severe fire conditions and a province-wide fire ban remains in place.Officials are warning that smoke from the wildfires burning across the provinceare being carried a great distance and people should be cautious of the air quality.

Below is a breakdown of up-to-date information on the situation.

Important numbers

Campground facilities for evacuees:1-877-537-2757
To register for Red Cross:1-888-350-6070
Up-to-date wildfire information:310-4455or1-844-406-3276

Re-entry

There are currently seven re-entry teams on the ground in Fort McMurray assessing the damage. Thisphase is expected to take two weeks.The government listed five things that need to happen before the re-entry can begin:

• Critical infrastructure is assessed and all needed repairs are made
• Local government isre-established
• Essential services are restored to a "basic level"
• Hazardous areas are secure
• Wildfire is no longer a threat to the community

Wildfire situation

• "The beast" sits at2,410 square kilometres
• The fire is 13 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border
• Flare ups continue to occur nearAnzacandMacDonaldIsland Park
• 17 wildfires burning in Alberta one held, 15 under control

Financial assistance

The Albertagovernment is offering $1,250 per adult and $500 per dependent for emergency financial assistance to people displaced by the fire. The province is urgingevacuees who aren't in "dire need of these fundsto not claim them immediately."

You can receive the assistance at these locations:

• Edmonton: ButterdomeandNAIT North Lobby
  • May 12-19, 8 a.m. 8 p.m.
  • May 20, 8 a.m. 12 p.m.
• Calgary:McMahon Stadium andBMO Centre
  • May 12-19, 8 a.m. 8 p.m.
  • May 20, 8a.m. 12 p.m.
• Lac LaBiche: Bold Centre
  • May 13, 8 am 8 pm

Donations

In a press conference on May 12th,EdmontonEmergency Relief Society calledthe need for supplies a "desperate situation."The society says they need new clothing socks, underwear and bedding. According to spokesperson Nicole Geoffroy, the organization wasinitiallyinundatedwith donations, but"the need hasn't gone."

Donation drop-off locations:

• 9727-47 Avenue
  • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 3631-56 Avenue East (Hangar at Edmonton International Airport)
  • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Abandoned vehicles

Vehicles that ran out of gas and had to be abandoned during the evacuationwill be towed to an impound lot in Wandering River for safety reasons. They will be returned at no charge, with a tank of gas, when it is safe to do so.

Call310-4455or1-844-406-3276to confirm that your car has been towed.

Damage

• Two fatalities 15-year-old Emily Ryan, 19-year-oldAaronHodgson
• 2,432 structures destroyed
• 530 structuresdamaged
• 25,000 structures still standing
• Highway 63 is open only to through traffic for employees ofoilsandsoperations
• Travel to FortMcMurrayis still restricted
• FortMcMurray,Anzac,GregoireLake Estates, FortMcMurrayFirst Nationand FortMcMurrayFirst Nation remain under an evacuation order

Personnel and equipment - Fort McMurrayfire

• 509 firefighters
• 31 helicopters
• 13airtankers

Province-wide personnel and equipment

• 1,733 firefighters
• 104 helicopters
• 154 pieces of heavy equipment
• 26 air tankers

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