Officials with the provincial government released details Thursday on the wildfire burning in northern Alberta.
The province said the wildfire in the Fort McMurray area was at 241,000 hectares Thursday – and was about 13 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border.
Officials said there were 509 firefighters working on the blaze, with 31 helicopters, and 13 air tankers dousing the flames from the air.
Crews in the areas of communities evacuated due to the wildfire have been handling some flare-ups in Anzac and in MacDonald Island Park.
In addition, officials said work was underway to plan for evacuees to go back to Fort McMurray – and its expected plans will be shared within the next two weeks. In the meantime, crews are focusing on stabilizing the community and re-establishing water services, electricity, gas, sewage and wastewater, telephone services and utilities.
In order for residents to go back, officials said five things need to be in place: wildfire cannot be an imminent threat to the community, infrastructure is repaired to provide basic services, essential emergency services such as fire, EMS, police and healthcare, are back to a basic leve, hazardous areas are secure, and local government has been reestablished.
Meanwhile, fire conditions in Alberta remain extreme – officials said there are 17 wildfires burning: one is out of control, one being held, nine are under control and six turned over. There were four new fires started overnight.
Throughout Alberta, there are 1,733 firefighters working, 104 helicopters, 154 pieces of heavy equipment, and 26 air tankers.
Canadian Forces members no longer needed: Officials
Meanwhile, the province said the Canadian Armed Forces had supported response efforts by helping to evacuate residents, transporting essential firefighting equipment and personnel, and also delivering other supplies.
However, officials have determined provincial resources are enough to support the emergency response, and military assistance isn’t needed.
Officials said if conditions change drastically, the government will re-engage any support necessary, and that could include asking for help from the armed forces.
