Photo: Chris Byrne Story: Justin Slimm, 660 News Calgary
The all clear for the planned re-entry of Fort McMurray has been sounded.
The first group of wildfire displaced residents will be allowed to return to their homes starting Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m.
Two weeks ago, the province established five conditions that had to be met before the people of Fort McMurray could return home.
Those conditions are:
- Wildfire is no longer an imminent threat to the community.
- Critical infrastructure is repaired to provide basic service.
- Essential services, such as fire, EMS, police and health care, are restored to a basic level.
- Hazardous areas are secure.
- Local government is re-established.
According to Premier Rachel Notley, they have been met.
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karen Grimsrud said during a news conference Tuesday, air quality has also improved.
“The air quality has stabilized rather significantly in recent days in Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas,” she said. “Today, the index is currently at one (on a scale of 1-10), which is good.”
Those headed back home under the phased-in return are again being reminded to bring enough supplies in terms of food, water and medication to sustain themselves and their family members for up to 14 days.
The Mounties will also be patrolling traffic on area roads both on the ground and in the air and evacuees are being told to be patient and stay safe and to check in at the various welcoming centres when they arrive.
The premier also provided a statement on those looking to return home:
“We have been clear that the health and safety of residents always comes first, and that we would not proceed with re-entry if it was not safe to do so.
“I am pleased to report today that these conditions have been met, and voluntary phased re-entry will begin June 1 as planned, with the exception of the neighbourhoods of Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways, as outlined yesterday.
“Conditions will be assessed daily and, if the situation changes, the re-entry schedule may be adjusted.
“Incredible progress has been made very quickly, and for that I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make Fort McMurray safe and livable once again.
“Despite the significant work that has been done, the city today is not the city that residents left behind a month ago. A boil-water advisory remains in effect, some health-care services are not available, and many businesses will not be open.
“Seniors, children under seven, and other at-risk groups should exercise caution when deciding when to return. Anyone with a medical condition should not return until the hospital is fully operational.
“To residents choosing to return this week, I ask you to not go home without a plan. Bring food, water and any other supplies needed for the next two weeks.
“Take your time and travel safely. The highways will be busy, which is why it is so important to respect the phased re-entry plan. Please do not return until the designated date for your neighbourhood.
“If you were living in a rental unit, please be sure to confirm with your landlord that your building is ready for re-occupation before returning to the city.
“Monitor air quality and take precautions to protect yourself. Follow the instructions in your re-entry information package, including proper clean-up procedures.
“Returning home may be the most stressful part of this situation, so please take care of yourself. There are mental-health supports available through the information centres or by calling Alberta’s mental-health help line.
“The strength of the people of Fort McMurray in the face of this adversity continues to impress me every single day. Thank you for your patience, your resilience and your willingness to stick together.
“There is still a long road ahead of us, and we will travel it together. Alberta continues to stand with you.”
A press conference was held at 2 p.m. today with Bob Couture, director of emergency management for the regional emergency operation centre and Rob McCloy Chief of Police.
The gates to the city will be opened at 8 a.m. and Couture and McCloy expect there to be a line.
“Take your time, be respectful of others. We are here waiting for you,” said Couture.
They stressed the importance it was for residents to obey their re-entry date so essential services will not be overwhelmed.
Although some businesses will be open upon re-entry, they won’t have everything. Residents are to make sure that if they are returning they have up to 14 days of food and water.
McCloy said the basic challenge for the RCMP will to make sure residents arrive at home safely.
They will have 70 officers from the RMWB, 82 extra from across the province and an additional 30 patrolling the highway.
The extra officers are to make sure that the traffic flow on the highway and within town continues smoothly through-out the day.
“We have come up with a theme here, safe, resilient, together,” Said Couture.
He also added that it will be an emotional day for them in the emergency operation centre as well.
Information from the province on re-entry can be found here.
