The staggered re-entry plan for residents of Fort Chipewyan to return home wraps up this week.
In a joint release, area First Nations and Métis communities along with the RMWB and Alberta Wildfire announced the re-entry plan would begin on June 19, 2023.
READ MORE: Re-entry plans for Fort Chipewyan set in motion
On May 30, community members were forced to evacuate the hamlet due to a threatening wildfire.
Alberta Wildfire said, as of June 23, the so-called Rocky River Fire is being held at more than 60-thousand hectares in size.
According to the Municipality, the first phase of re-entry involved essential services, followed by the general public on June 22 with the last free flights to Fort Chipewyan leaving Fort McMurray on June 24.
“There will be no more return flights or accommodations offered for evacuees after this date. Community members who choose not to return on this flight, will need to arrange and pay for their own travel and accommodations.”
More information on the re-entry plan is available on the Municipality’s website.
A third phase involves the transport of vulnerable persons or those with unique needs.
Vulnerable Persons Registry
Before the wildfire evacuation order was enacted on May 30, Fort Chipewyan residents listed in the Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) were relocated to Fort McMurray as a precaution.
RMWB Communications and Engagement Strategist Greg Bennett said the VPR did prove to be a valuable tool during the evacuation.
“Before and during the evacuation, the Emergency Social Services team sourced the Vulnerable Persons Registry to reach out to more than 50 registrants in Fort Chipewyan. In many cases, people on the registry were already being provided services they needed to safely evacuate by air and by boat.”
Bennett said a number of people received assistance directly through the registry.
“In cooperation with the Nations and community organizations, they will be provided with special transportation, supports and special considerations for mobility needs.”
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN), Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation (FCMN) and the RMWB continue to work together closely on the re-entry.
Phase 3 of the re-entry plan begins on June 24, 2023.
