Rain, cooler weather helping to keep Fort McMurray wildfire under control

Traffic moves along Alberta Highway 63 as wildfire smoke hangs in air in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.threatening the northern Alberta community of Fort McMurray gained little ground over the last 24 hours due to favourable weather but officials warned on Thursday that it will take a long time before firefighters are able to extinguish the blaze.

“Having the entire wildfire extinguished could take something closer to months and, in some cases, it’s taken years,” said Ms. St-Onge during a news conference alongside municipal officials. She noted that each wildfire is different so there is no way to give a precise estimate but the reality is that residents in the area will be living with this wildfire for a lengthy period of time.

Jody Butz, Fort McMurray region fire chief and director of emergency management, said the city on Wednesday was being “graced with Mother Nature’s kindness” and said people not under evacuation order are “welcome to come home.” Mayor Sandy Bowman acknowledged that many residents facing stress and uncertainty are hoping for good news but he said safety is of the utmost importance.

Nodelphi Wildfires Fort Mcmurray Alberta

Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Officials hope rain, favourable winds aid in fight against Fort McMurray wildfireA wildfire southwest of Fort McMurray, pictured here on May 11, grew rapidly over the weekend.
Source: CBCNews - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

Light rain expected to help Fort McMurray wildfire as Grande Prairie blaze to growOn Monday, heavy equipment worked on a fire guard on the Fort McMurray, while firefighting crews continue to establish a containment line
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

Cool weather, rain to aid in fight against fire threatening Fort McMurrayThe wildfire threatening Fort McMurray grew rapidly on Monday, fueled by shifting winds.
Source: CBCNews - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

Rain helps keep Fort McMurray wildfire from growing, but 6,600 remain out of homesFORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — A wildfire that has forced thousands out of their homes in the Alberta oilsands hub city of Fort McMurray was held in place Thursday, as rain and cooler temperatures swept the area.
Source: BurnabyNOW_News - 🏆 14. / 77 Read more »

Rain helps keep Fort McMurray wildfire from growing, but 6,600 remain out of homesFORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — A wildfire that has forced thousands out of their homes in the Alberta oilsands hub city of Fort McMurray was held in place Thursday, as rain and cooler temperatures swept the area.
Source: PGCitizen - 🏆 65. / 51 Read more »

Rain helps keep Fort McMurray wildfire from growing, but 6,600 remain out of homesFORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — A wildfire that has forced thousands out of their homes in the Alberta oilsands hub city of Fort McMurray was held in place Thursday, as rain and cooler temperatures swept the area.
Source: SooToday - 🏆 8. / 85 Read more »