Photo Supplied: A fire seen just east of Fort McMurray by the airport. May 30, 2015. GAYLE ST. DENIS / Facebook)
Just after 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon fire crews got a call of two forest fires burning near the Airport by Saprae Creek.
Both fires are now being held, one was less than 0.3 hectares while another started out around 1.5 hectares and grew to 10 hectares in a span of a couple hours.
Alberta Wildfire Media Information Officer Robyn Haugen says three helicopters, one air tanker and one support aircraft continue to fight the fire from above. This is in addition to 20 firefighters on the ground. They also have heavy machinery on hand including a water truck at their disposal.
Ms.Haugen also says that both fires are human caused but wont speculate if they were began accidentally or by arson.
Emergency officials issued a voluntary evacuation of the area at the time.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo would like to remind everyone a fire ban remains in place for the region due to the severely dry conditions in our area.
The Fort McMurray Airport is still advising travellers to check in with their airline for any delays due to reduced visibility with the smoke and due to the restricted air space close to the airport.
If anyone has any concerns about the fire or safety you can call RMWB’s Pulse line at 780 743 7000.
As this is an active story, this page will be updated as new information is made available.
