Alberta Canada – While one fire burns nearby, another is enraged burning everything in its path.
WOOD BUFFALO FIRE
As of May 3rd @ 1100, the Wood Buffalo Wildfire was burning in Forest land – SW of Mort McMurray. It is said to be located 1.2 km or less than one mile W of Hwy 63 and Airport Road. It has not crossed over the Hangingstone River yet.
Earlier in the morning around 0100, air quality was very poor.
It is unknown what is the cause of the fire, the size of it or if they have a containment status as of yet.
FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE
It is quite the understatement calling this fire a wildfire but more like it should be called a Firestorm or perhaps, a Fire Monster destroying everything in its path. And, it is only getting started.
Incident Summary
The wildfire started on May 1, 2016, at 1607 MDT. The cause is under investigation. The fire was last reported at 2656 ha or 6563 acres. There are currently 80 fire personnel attached along with 4 Air tankers, 2 Light helicopters, 3 Intermediate helicopters and 4 Medium helicopters.
The fire is located approximately 1 km W of Gregoire in Fort McMurray.
It is listed as out of control and fire behavior is due to increase. There is a 0% containment status at this time.
Evacuations
Eagle Ridge, Timberlea and Parsons Creek are currently NOT under evacuation per a recent Facebook Page post.
Mandatory evacuations of downtown Fort McMurray except Mac Donald Island, Thickwood, Gregore, Abasand, Grayling Terrace, Beaconhill, Waterways and Centennial Trailer Park.
Fire Managers report the N edge of the fire is growing rapidly.
Traffic Alerts
Hwy 63: SB is open, South of Confederation. If N of Athabasca Bridge, head N on the highway.
Safe and Well
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is asking all evacuated residents to email them at wildfire@rmwb.ca to advise your name, location and confirm you are safe.
You can also contact the Red Cross @ 888-350-6070 to check on Loved Ones. Or if you are safe and well, go to the Red Cross website and register. You can also check online by their name if you are looking for a loved one.
Radio Stations
Broadcasts are sent through on 93.3 and 97.9 stations in Fort McMurray.
Pet Safety
The FMSPCA has reached out to our partners in southern Alberta to help with animal placement, animal friendly accommodations and supplies as the FMSPCA shelter and its staff have been evacuated please contact RJ Bailot from the Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force 403-837-7442 or email rjbailot@abtaskforce.org
Unbelieveable Fire Images
BOSTON™ @BoucherMitch (Twitter) whose sister lives in this Fort McMurrary and is having him post for her unbelievable images and posts. (We are posting with his permission)
This is an excerpt of his sister’s loss and what others are going through as well.
The fire has grown outside the City now reaching its destination destroying what the residents have worked so hard to protect and grow. Their homes, businesses, jobs, livelihoods and everything else are going up in flames.
We will work to glean information as to how you can these folks with food, shelter, donations, clothing, etc. More details are in the works.
Hashtags
#ymm , #ym #FortMcMurryFireStorm2016
Updates
We are working to bring additional information as it comes to light. Thank you for reading our post and following us. We appreciate you!
(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog
NW Fire Blog 