The Alberta government has released an app that will give Fort McMurray residents a bird’s eye view of their properties in the wake of a destructive wildfire that forced the evacuation of over 90,000 people.
Municipal Affairs Minister Danielle Larivee said the satellite images are intended to provide a high-level overview of the status of the city and cautioned that structures that appear to be standing should not be considered undamaged.
“Having been through a devastating fire and evacuation myself [five years ago in Slave Lake], I know firsthand how stressful it is to wait for updates on which homes have been lost,” she said in a statement.
Larivee warned that viewing the images may be traumatic and reminded people that Alberta’s Mental Health Help Line is open 24 hours a day at 1-877-303-2642.
Anyone wanting to view the images must first click on a link acknowledging that they have read and understand the terms of use agreement on the government website.
According to the minister, higher-resolution images will be released “in the days ahead” that should provide “a sufficient level of detail” to assist property owners with insurance claims and other recovery actions.
A preliminary re-entry plan is expected to be released in about 10 days.
More information can be found on the Alberta government website.
With files from the Canadian Press
Satellite maps provide survey of wildfire damage in Fort McMurray. Higher resolution images coming. #ymmfire https://t.co/rtFV8I5enO
— Danielle Larivee (@DanielleLarivee) May 15, 2016