Evacuation order expected to remain in place until at least May 21

Order could extend beyond May 21, but residents are encouraged to plan to be away until at least May 21.

Neighbourhoods under the evacuation order issued on May 14, can expect to be evacuated until at least Tuesday, May 21. Until the evacuation order is lifted, it’s not safe to return to the neighbourhoods of Prairie Creek, Abasand, Beacon Hill and Grayling Terrace.

Alberta Wildfire and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will work together to establish criteria needed to lift the evacuation order -- typically this centers around the containment of the wildfire, but each fire situation is unique. When it is safe for residents to return to these neighbourhoods, the evacuation order will be lifted.

Residents not under evacuation order are welcome to return home

We acknowledge that many residents in the region who were not under an evacuation order chose to leave yesterday. This was a personal decision, and we understand your concerns. If you left Fort McMurray yesterday without being under an evacuation order, you are welcome to return and stay home.

The highway is open in both directions, and traffic is flowing smoothly. Businesses and day-to-day operations continue in many parts of the region. Thank you to the businesses that remain open, and we encourage businesses to stay open, and resume their normal operations if possible.

While some areas remain under alert, please be assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and have confidence in the safety of these areas.

If your neighbourhood is not under an evacuation order, you will not be eligible for support and lodging, including accommodation and meals.

For evacuee resources, visit rmwb.ca/alerts.

The rest of Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray First Nation # 468, Anzac, and Rickards Landing Industrial Park remain under Evacuation Alert.  It is important that residents stay prepared while the alert is in effect.

Follow trusted information sources

During an emergency, it is crucial to follow trusted information sources such as RMWB.ca and Alberta Wildfire.

For the latest evacuation alerts, visit rmwb.ca/alerts.

For the most trusted and recent wildfire information, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.