'Day by day': Alberta fire evacuees out until next week, weather to help B.C. crews

Jody Butz, the fire chief in charge of the Fort McMurray region, said while Tuesday is the estimated return date, there are a lot of variables.

"The highway is open in both directions and traffic is flowing freely. Businesses and day-to-day operations continue for many parts of the region,” Butz said. "They're definitely a little better prepared with the notices that came out. Lots of people left yesterday. It was a little bit chaotic, but people managed to get out safely."

The fire moved to within five kilometres of the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 881 – the main southern route out of the municipality — and about six kilometres from the Fort McMurray landfill on the city’s outskirts.Josee St-Onge, an Alberta Wildfire information officer, said favourable winds should push the fire from the city, but weather can change at any point.

Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said crews continue to fight flames on the ground and in the air while also erecting fire guards. Bans are in place for fires and off-road vehicles.

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