The wildfire burning out of control in northern Alberta now covers almost 580,000 hectares, including part of Saskatchewan, and is being fought with the help of crews from around the world.
On Sunday, about 300 South African firefighters are expected to arrive in Edmonton and will join over 2,200 others who continue to battle wildfires across the province.
Edmonton International Airport officials said the Boeing 777, carrying members of the Volunteer Wildfire Services from Western Cape, South Africa, is a rare site at EIA due to its massive size.
And off they go! WoF firefighters heading out on @AirCanada to fight @AlbertaWildfire! @vwsfires wishes them well. pic.twitter.com/x2Nn4Hu4BP
— VWS Wildfires (@vwsfires) May 29, 2016
Currently, 2,292 firefighters are either battling blazes across Alberta or are en route to do so - including nearly 200 people from the United States and crews from across Canada.
Firefighters in Alberta are being supported by 90 helicopters, 273 pieces of heavy equipment and 20 air tankers.
According to an update by the province on Sunday, 14 active wildfires continue to burn in Alberta – however, only the Fort McMurray fire remained out of control.
Officials said work was on track to begin a voluntary phased re-entry of wildfire evacuees on June 1.
Suncor resumes oilsands operations near Fort McMurray
Meanwhile, Suncor Energy announced on Sunday that it had begun the “safe and staged restart of its operations” in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo – with initial production from its Firebag in situ facility.
Officials said efforts are also underway to reopen their Base Plant and MacKay River facilities.
The company expects initial production by early June.
Over 4,000 employees and contractors have been moved back into the region – with another 3,500 people expected in the coming days.
Suncor said no damage was reported to their properties and all sites have “enhanced fire mitigation and protection.” Alberta Health Services approved lodges for occupation on Friday.
Syncrude is also in the process of planning its return to operations.
About 8,000 workers from oilsands camps north of Fort McMurray were evacuated on May 16 – a mandatory evacuation order was lifted on May 23.
Up-to-date wildfire information can be found online.
