Fort McMurray wildfires have former P.E.I. resident on edge

Fire crews in Fort McMurray, Alta., are battling a wildfire burning just 1.5 kilometres outside the city, and one former Islander is watching the flames anxiously.

Kris Cudmore, who has been living and working in the city for three years, spoke to CBC's Island Morning on Tuesday.

He said it was raining ashes in town overnight.

"It smells like a campfire has been burning right in front of you, wherever you are in town. It's pretty crazy."

• Anxious day for Fort McMurray residents as huge wildfire holds its ground

Cudmore said crews have put down fire retardant to prevent the blaze from reaching city limits and it is under control, but heavy smoke hangs over the city.

He said watching fire departments do battle with the flames has been like scene out of a movie with helicopters, water bombers and airplanes flying in circles over the city.

"It's been pretty spectacular to watch," he said. "I've never seen anything like it before."

'An eerie feeling'

One of three main fires was burning just down the street from Cudmore's home before it was put out. The fire currently burning nearby is about 15 kilometres away.

It's kind of hard trying to go to sleep knowing the city around you is on fire. Kris Cudmore

As of Tuesday morning, about 200 people were under a mandatory evacuation order and Cudmore said there was a voluntary evacuation for the neighbourhood a few streets over.

Despite it all, Cudmore said life is continuing normally for now.

"It's definitely an eerie feeling. Everyone is on high alert right now. It's kind of hard trying to go to sleep knowing the city around you is on fire, right," he said.

Cudmore said the evacuated families have been staying at the local recreation centre where other residents have been bringing them food and clothes.

"Just helping them feel as comfortable as possible while they are out of their homes," he said.

Temperatures are expected to hit 30 C today in Fort McMurray with no chance of rain. Cudmore said that could compromise the progress fire crews have made.

"Everyone who's in town right now are kind of just living by the updates from the municipality at this time," he said.

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