The province has announced that while the re-entry timeline is still on track for the majority of Fort McMurray’s communities, the people living in Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways whose homes were undamaged will not be able to return to the community permanently as planned.
“I realize this will be very difficult news to hear for people who were expecting to return to their homes later this week,” said Premier Rachel Notley. “But, as always, safety and health remain our top priority.”
There are health and safety concerns for the people who would have returned to homes still standing after the fire that are preventing them returning permanently to their homes.
Dr. Karen Grimsrud, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta, said the tests that were done in the ash from the debris and surrounding soils confirmed the risks are such that people cannot be allowed to live in the communities until debris has been cleaned and removed.
“Specifically, the ash has a very high PH which makes it caustic. It may cause both skin and respiratory irritation and burns. There’s also heavy metals, like arsenic, in the samples,” she said. “These results and high concentrations (detected) are not unexpected, given what we have seen, but it is critical that we take steps to protect the residents from them.”
That is why people will not be able to stay permanently in these communities until all debris and risk has been eliminated.
Originally, those people were told to wait until June 4 to return but now they’re being told there is no timeline for their permanent return.
This news will affect roughly 2,000 people living in 567 homes and apartments that remain intact in Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways. Those residents will be able to retrieve some items from their homes starting on June 4 but they will have to wear protective gear and be under an escort and will have to make arrangements day-of and be accompanied by an official. People whose homes were burnt in the fire who had fire safes or items that would be fire-proof can make arrangements to have those items retrieved.
For all other communities, the re-entry plan will continue as planned with Zone 1 residents coming back on Wednesday. The communities included in Zone 1 are Lower Townsite, Anzac, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, and Gregoire Lake Estates.
Clean-up
Work is already under way to secure sites damaged in the fire and cleanup has begun. Notley said crews are using a non-toxic composite material called posi-shell to create a layer of protective film over hazardous debris. When applied, posi-shell hardens over the affected areas to prevent toxins, like ash, from becoming airborne. Using the compound on areas damaged by the fire will allow for the safe return of people living outside of the areas where major damages were suffered or far enough away from the site of damages.
More than 30km of fencing has been installed across the community to protect damaged homes and neighbourhoods and security staff are posted at the sites.
Clean-up of the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is now complete and crews are working to calibrate equipment and re-stock medical supplies. Notley said the hospital will be able to provide basic services beginning June 1 while the urgent care facility continues to operate at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre. It will continue running until the health centre is fully operational, which is expected to happen June 21.
Renters
If you are a renter living in Fort McMurray you are encouraged to contact your landlord before your return, even if you live in an undamaged area. That is because landlords may have to assess damages, replace furnace filters, fridges, and other items if there was a long period of power outage. Be in touch with your landlord before making the trip north.
For tenants living in the homes provided by the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation, you will not be able to return home until after June 6 as work is done to ready your residence for re-entry. More concrete timelines will be made available.
Funding for out-of-province evacuees
If you have not received your pre-loaded debit card with funding from the Province of Alberta because you are staying in another province through the evacuation period, you can now access the funds through provincial and federal buildings across the country.
Further details were not immediately available but they are coming.
Mental Health Services
The premier reminded residents that psychological trauma will be common for all who evacuated Fort McMurray, even if their home wasn’t lost or if they didn’t see the fire with their own eyes. Notley said stress can exceed the ability to cope and told people to be aware of this as individuals, families, and co-workers. She said reactions can vary and you’re asked to be patient with one another and to seek help if you need it.
Supports are already available in the community and more are being added in the coming days. She said the emotional recovery is part of this transition to re-entry as well as the physical recovery of our community.
Health recommendations
Even if you do not live in one of the areas directly damaged by the fire, Grimsrud had suggestions for ways to prevent harm from the ash and other toxins in the air. She said until the debris is removed completely you’ll want to be careful outside, particularly allowing children and pets to play outside unsupervised as they could accidentally come in contact with the ash, and she said to ensure you clean all play equipment and toys, indoor and out, before letting your child or pet play with the toys.
For the best advice on getting ready to come home from a health and safety perspective Grimsrud encourages all residents to read the AHS document on re-entry.
Red Cross
The Red Cross will be shifting its focus in the coming weeks to supporting the RMWB and Alberta Government and other community groups to provide the supports needed on the ground to the community. By supporting groups already working in the community there is a better chance of reaching all residents affected by the evacuation, fire and challenges of re-entry.
Jenn McManus from the Red Cross said they don’t expect everyone to return immediately or encourage everyone to return immediately. She said that is a decision people should weigh themselves with all the information they have available.
Services
While grocery stores and other services are re-opening there is a chance some items will have to be rationed. You’re advised to bring with you everything you will need to survive two weeks, including bottled water and any foods for dietary restrictions.
Hygiene kits with items such as deodorant, toothpaste and shampoo, wildfire recovery guides that contain detailed information and tips on your return back to home and other safety and well-being services will all be provided at the information centres.
