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RMWB offers detailed fire map for residents to assess damages

At the special meeting of RMWB Council Wednesday afternoon that followed the announcement of a re-entry timeline beginning June 1, a detailed fire map assessment tool was revealed.

The tool featuresĀ a point in time glimpse of residential areas in the region and a disclaimer on the site said it was created with information available at the time of the aerial imagery.

The RMWB remains under mandatory evacuation order; there are active fires within the region and the situation is changing and dynamic. The disclaimer said the images you see on the damage map may not reflect the actual status of your home. The RMWB warns all residents to use their discretion when viewing the content of this damage map.

Within minutes of the release of the images people have been posting statuses of relief and closure to social media, all of them reflecting that it is better to have a level of certainty.

Rapid Damage Assessment Tool

Council also unveiled the Rapid Damage Assessment Tool which provides a more detailed assessment of individual properties in the region. Only 1,900 have so far been assessed so not all homes will be included at first.

The Fire Report tool will continue to be updated as it is safe to do so.

Other business

At the Wednesday meeting of council members voted unanimously against charging residents for municipal utilities for all of May and June.

They also received an update from the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation that none of the assets owned by the WBHDC were damaged in the fire. The corporation also said housing resources will be used as temporary residences for those in need.

There were several other items being discussed in camera, or in private, including more details of the re-entry plan as it applies to RMWB staff and council in terms of the work they need to do to make re-entry possible.