Hours after the province and the Red Cross released details for evacuees to receive emergency funds, line ups at the only distribution centre in Edmonton had hundreds of people waiting.

The province said late Wednesday morning that debit cards, pre-loaded with $1250 for each adult and $500 for each child under the age of 18, would be available at four locations throughout the province at first, with other distribution centres opening in the coming days.

Between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Fort McMurray evacuees could receive the province’s emergency funding at the following locations:

  • In Edmonton, the Butterdome (114 Street and 87 Avenue)
  • In Calgary, McMahon Stadium at the Red and White Club (1833 Crowchild Trail NW)
  • In Calgary, BMO Centre at Calgary Stampede Park (20 Roundup Way SW)
  • In Lac La Biche, the ‘Penalty Box’ in the Bold Centre (8702 91 Avenue)

Between May 12 and 19, the locations in Edmonton and Calgary will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on May 20 the province said those centres will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., in Lac la Biche, the centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 12 and 13.

After May 20, emergency financial assistance will move to Alberta Works offices.

To obtain the funding, officials said one family member can pick up debit cards for an entire family, if they have the following documentation:

  • Red Cross identification number
  • Photo ID
  • Identification for partner or spouse and/or dependents, if claiming relief for them
  • Proof of residence or presence in Fort McMurray

If identification needs to be replaced before applying for a debit card, the province said evacuees can go to an Alberta Registry Office, where new identification cards are being issued for free to wildfire evacuees.

In addition, seniors, those with mobility issues and with special needs, and others not able to apply in person at a location can call 310-4455 to arrange to receive the funding from the province.

Anyone with questions can call 310-4455 or 1-844-406-3276 toll-free from outside Alberta.

The province said more than 90,000 were subject to the evacuation order – it’s estimated the emergency funding will cost up to $100 million.

Hours after the province released details for evacuees, the line up at the Butterdome stretched out the door, and around the outside of the building.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross announced they would provide emergency funds on top of the provincial money being provided - $600 for each adult, and $300 per child.

The Red Cross said Wednesday morning evacuees who have registered with an e-mail address will receive an e-mail transfer of the funds in the next 24 to 48 hours, and the Red Cross would contact others who had registered without an email address in the coming days.

For those who had not registered, officials said there is still time to do so, and that can be done online.

Officials said so far, $67 million had been raised – before any funds had been matched by the Alberta government or federal government.

The organization said the funds being given to evacuees added up to $50 million.

Officials working to reunite pets and owners separated during evacuation

Provincial officials said about 750 animals had been checked through by volunteers with the Edmonton Humane Society and Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force – and the Alberta SPCA was working to contact owners to reunite them with their pets.

The City of Edmonton said staff at the Animal Care and Control Centre had been looking after more than 150 animals, while another 180 were being looked after at the City of Edmonton Reception Centre.

Animals staff at the ACCC has been looking after include cats, dogs, guinea pigs, chincillas, reptiles, a gerbil, a hedgehog, a rabbit and a bird.

So far, nearly 60 pets have been reunited with their owners, officials said.

Update on the wildfire

The province released an update on the wildfire in northern Alberta, and wildfires throughout the province.

It appeared the blaze burning in the area of Fort McMurray maintained its size into Wednesday – on Tuesday, officials said two area fires had joined and it was estimated to be 229,000 hectares, and was still between 25 and 30 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border.

Officials said 700 firefighters, 32 helicopters, 13 air tankers and 83 pieces of heavy equipment were working on the fire.

Throughout the province, officials said there were a total of 19 fires burning, two of them were out of control, one was being held, ten were under control and six had been turned over. A total of 1,715 firefighters, 101 helicopters, 26 air tankers and 154 pieces of heavy equipment were working on fires throughout the province.