(Photo Supplied: Premier Notley gives an update on the wildfire situation in Fort McMurray from Edmonton just after 11 a.m. on Thursday, May. 5, 2016. 660 NEWS / TWITTER)
As rain starts to hit both Calgary and Edmonton where most evacuees have fled fire conditions are still extreme in Fort McMurray Thursday.
The high for Thursday is pegged at 19 Celsius according to Environment Canada but winds will gust northwest between 30-50 kilometres per hour.
“There were 18 new wildfire starts in the Forest Protection Area yesterday [across Alberta], as of 8 a.m. this morning there were 49 wildfires burning in Alberta, seven out-of-control, 12 being held, 23 under-control and seven that have been turned over to local responders,” said Premier Rachel Notley during a press conference shortly after 11 a.m.
Notley said that Fort McMurray isn’t the only wildfire burning the in province but that it is by far the largest, the province asking Albertans to do everything they can to reduce fire hazards.
The provincial government says a total of 1,100 firefighters are battling the 85,000 hectare Fort McMurray blaze along with 145 helicopters, 138 pieces of heavy equipment and 22 air tankers.
As of 8:30 a.m. the fire had moved into North Abasand where the cell tower is being threatened, significant damage sustained in the area of Prospect Drive overnight crews are in place trying to stop the fire from crossing Confederation Way.
On the south end of town the fire has caused serious damage to structures on Old Airport Rd., the Chateau Nova Hotel is reportedly lost while the fire breached the perimeter of the old airport. However the new International Airport facility has not been damaged.
Crew members from the Regional Emergency Operations Centre were evacuated to Lac La Biche late Wednesday night but as of Thursday morning staff members were on the road back to Fire Hall 5 which according to the RMWB sustained no significant damage.
Downtown and Thickwood have no new reported damage while the status of both Saprae Creek and Anzac is unknown. Notley mentioned in her press conference that there is an optimistic outlook for Timberlea and Thickwood and crews battle to save the large residential areas.
There was no new update on the number of buildings destroyed as crews are too busy battling the fire although the airport is still safe.
More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since Tuesday, the province is urging evacuees to make sure that they have registered with the Red Cross.
“To those people that have been displaced form those homes we want you to know that we have your back, you will be supported,” said Notley.
Highway 63 through Fort McMurray is still closed to traffic.
For the most up to date information tune into 660 NEWS.
AUDIO: Wildfire Information Officer Chad Morrison talks during Premier Notley’s press conference at 11 a.m. in Edmonton.
