Fort Mac evacs directed to Cold Lake as Lac La Biche facilities are now at capacity

Wood Buffalo Region released an update Tuesday evening that evacuees from Wood Buffalo – Fort McMurray region will be directed to Cold Lake as the facilities in Lac La Biche are now at capacity.

May 14, 8p.m. MWF-017 Update

Wildfire Status, Evacuation order + SOLE

 

MWF-017 remains out of control at 20,940 hectares.

 

The wildfire continues to be very active. The closest point of the fire is about 7.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill. The wildfire is about 6 km from the intersection of highways 63 and 881.

 

An Evacuation Order has been issued for Abasand, Beacon Hill, Prairie Creek and Grayling Terrace. Evacuees should follow all signs, designated evacuation routes and instructions from emergency responders.

 

Evacuees should register online. Evacuees are encouraged to leave Fort McMurray, but may remain in other neighbourhoods if they wish. If evacuees choose to relocate to other neighbourhoods, evacuation supports from the Municipality will not be available.

 

RV and Camping accommodations are available in Lac La Biche, however hotels are full. If you would like to obtain RV and camping acommodations as an evacuee, please report to Parkland 2 centre.

 

If you are an evacuee from an area that is under an evacuation order and require food and accommodation, please report to the new reception centre at the Cold Lake Agriplexlocated at 4608 38th Avenue.

 

To access accommodation, you must first report to the reception centre. Once you’ve registered, you can then check into the appropriate hotel, motel or campground as instructed at the reception centre.

 

An evacuation alert remains in place for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray First Nation #468, Anzac, and Rickards Landing Industrial Park.

 

On May 14 at 1:30 p.m. the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo declared a State of Local Emergency.

 

Travel Considerations

 

RCMP have advised that North Bound Highway 63 from Highway 881 to Airport Road is closed to allow for emergency management operations.

 

Southbound lanes remain open for evacuees.

 

For those not under an evacuation order

 

If your community is not currently under an evacuation order, please prioritize those who must leave. If you choose to evacuate without being under an official order, you will not be eligible for support and lodging, including accommodation and meals.

 

Remember, the Fort McMurray regional landfill is closed for public and commercial drop off. This also means curbside collection will not continue for the rest of the week.

 

Wildfire Operations + Preparedness

 

Firefighters were pulled from the fire line this afternoon for safety reasons.

 

Helicopters and airtankers are still able to fly and are dropping water on the active edges of the fire.

 

Two night vision helicopters will work overnight.

 

There are 70 firefighters and 14 helicopters currently assigned to the wildfire.

 

A favourable wind shift is expected tonight, as a new weather system enters the region. Winds from the west-northwest are expected, which should push the fire away from Fort McMurray and Highway 63.

 

Firefighters are working on structure protection in the Prairie Creek and Beacon Hill neighbourhoods. Structure protection was installed on the Rickards Landing Industrial Park, Gregoire Lake Estates. A plan is in place for structure protection along Amoco Road, if required.

 

The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation

 

Follow Trusted Sources of Information

 

There will be live-community update on RMWB Youtube and Facebook Pages tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. youtube.com/rmwbwebmaster

 

During an emergency, it is crucial to follow trusted information sources such as RMWB.ca and Alberta Wildfire.

 

The Municipality is aware of social media pages and groups spreading misinformation, posting photos without context, and causing panic. Always rely on rmwb.ca and Alberta Wildfire for accurate updates.

 

We encourage community members, social media administrators, and the media to share this information.

 

For the latest evacuation alerts, visit rmwb.ca/alerts. For the most trusted and recent wildfire information, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit alberta.ca/wildfire-status.

 

Wildfire Smoke

 

During periods of increased smoke activity, stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors closed.

 

For up-to-date information on smoke in the region, visit Firesmoke.ca.

 

The presence of wildfires and smoke can evoke a range of emotions. Many local public and professional mental health resources are available for support. Please reach out if you need assistance.