(Photo Supplied: A wildfire burns near Gregoire south of Fort McMurray on May.1, 2016. Alberta Wildfire. TWITTER)
With heavy smoke and wind directions a voluntary departure is being encouraged for Gregoire residents with respiratory issues including elderly and those who are mobility challenged.
A reception centre is being set up at MacDonald Island. Personnel will be there to receive and direct residents, pets of those affected will also be accepted.
The Wood Buffalo RCMP has started to evacuate people in the Centennial Trailer Park south of the Flying J along Sakitawaw Trail, the Provincial detox centre has also been evacuated.
People in Gregoire should also prepare to evacuate as a wildfire burns just a few kilometres south of the Gregoire / Beacon Hill area that is out of control.
Forestry has advised FMFD the southwest fire is moving in an easterly direction, residents in Gregoire should prepare for evacuation
— Emergency Services (@FM_EmergService) May 2, 2016
According to Lynn Daina, Area Information Coordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry the blaze near Gregoire has already burned 120 hectares. There are four air tankers, 15 firefighters, four helicopters battling the fire, the province is also calling in reinforcements.
“The direction of the one in the south is coming towards the southern part of Gregoire,” said Jody Butz, Assistant Chief of Deputy Operations RMWB. “Forestry is putting their full resources on these resources on these fires.”
Cpl. George Cameron of the Wood Buffalo RCMP told MyMcMurray that the fire near Taiga Nova is now considered “manageable” and resources have shifted from that fire to the one south of Fort McMurray.
Details on how to prepare for an evacuation can be found online here.
If you need information on the evacuation call the RMWB’s pulse line at (780) 743-7000.
A list of homes that are willing to open its doors to evacuees has been started by Country 93.3, details can be found here:
– With files from Jenna Hamilton
