Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
![Fort McMurray fire MWF017 on May 12, 2024 Smoke can be seen from a wildfire burning near Fort McMurray on May 12, 2024. (Photo: Alberta Wildfire)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/5/12/fort-mcmurray-fire-mwf017-on-may-12--2024-1-6884036-1715538184749.png)
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
The out-of-control wildfire burning 16 kilometres southwest of the northern Alberta city grew substantially between Friday and Sunday afternoon, driven by strong winds in the region.
"It was pushing away from Fort McMurray due to the wind conditions. However, they changed a little bit and the fire will now be moving in a northwestern direction towards the Athabasca River," said Melissa Story, Alberta Wildlife information officer.
Night vision helicopters worked overnight and dropped water on the southeastern edge of the fire. While fire activity was subdued overnight, warm temperatures were expected to drive higher activity Sunday afternoon.
Evacuation alerts remained in place Sunday for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray First Nation 468, Anzac and Rickards Landing Industrial Park.
Residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice, keeping medication, important documents and emergency kits ready. Updates can be found on the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo website or the Alberta Emergency Alert website.
The fire is burning 12 kilometres west of Highway 63, and officials warned residents that visibility or highway access could be affected. Access to Fort McMurray on Highway 881 was not expected to be affected or closed.
Sunday, six crews of wildland firefighters, and 13 helicopters and airtankers worked on the fire.
Heavy equipment worked on a fire guard on the northeast edge of the fire, and structure protection was being established in Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray 468 First Nation as a precaution.
An Incident Management Team has arrived in Fort McMurray to manage the fire.
"They are monitoring the conditions and they're preparing daily reports and daily activities for wildland firefighters," Story said. "We are doing everything we can to build a barrier between that wildfire and any communities."
The fire prompted Fort McMurray's mayor to reassure citizens on social media Sunday, saying the municipality is well prepared to handle whatever comes its way.
Out of 43 active wildfires as of 1:30 p.m. Sunday, the fire near Fort McMurray was one of two burning out of control. The other was in the Grande Prairie Forest Area near the Hamlet of Teepee Creek.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6935953.1718982142!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Woman found dead alongside three relatives remembered as selfless, caring mother
A woman who was found dead alongside three of her family members at a home in rural southwestern Ontario this week is being remembered as a selfless, caring mother who worked tirelessly for her community.
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi wins Alberta NDP leadership
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi will replace Rachel Notley as the Alberta NDP leader after receiving 86 per cent of the vote on the first ballot.
Accessibility uproar after Olds, Alta., woman with cerebral palsy threatened with $5K fine for using mobility aid
An Olds, Alta., woman with accessibility issues is speaking out against the town after local bylaw officers informed her she would receive a $5,000 fine if she was caught using her mobility scooter on any street, sidewalk or pathway in town.
Man trying to drown two children on Connecticut beach is stopped by officers, police say
A man trying to drown two small children at a Connecticut beach early Saturday morning was thwarted by police officers, according to authorities.
OPINION If Dolly Parton can be cancelled, we're in serious trouble
The person most unlikely to be cancelled in U.S. history — iconic American singer, songwriter and actress, Dolly Parton — has been caught in the crosshairs of cancel culture.
Vehicle involved in inter-provincial missing child investigation located in Saskatchewan
The vehicle which is believed to be involved in an inter-provincial missing child investigation has been located in Saskatchewan.
Toddler, 40-year-old identified as victims in deadly quadruple shooting in Vaughan, Ont.: police
A toddler and a 40-year-old were killed in a quadruple shooting at a Vaughan, Ont. residence Friday morning, as police announce an arrest in what they're describing as a 'targeted' incident.
B.C. First Nations involved in salmon farming demand apology from William Shatner, Ryan Reynolds
A coalition of B.C. First Nations involved in open-net salmon farming have called on Canadian actors William Shatner and Ryan Reynolds to apologize for a profanity-laced video criticizing the wider industry.
'Discarded in the freezer': Owners reeling after death of 2 dogs under care of Toronto-area petsitter
After seeing her dog's body removed from a freezer a day after leaving him in the care of a petsitter, Jenuen Monroe wants answers.