Fort Chipewyan Community Update for June 6, 2023

 What’s new today:

• State of Local Emergency renewed
• FireSmart deployed to Fort Chipewyan
• Updated events and activities for Wednesday, June 7

The State of Local Emergency (SOLE) is now extended until June 13 due to the ongoing emergency.

At this time, it is not possible to provide a date for re-entry. The weather and progress firefighters and teams on the ground make in holding and managing the wildfire will determine when it is safe for people to return.

When the time comes, the RMWB will work with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, and provincial and federal agencies to establish a safe re-entry process.

Wildfire status
At the time of this update, Alberta Wildfire is reporting that wildfire MWF-025 is approximately 24,106 hectares and burning out of control approximately 7 km from the centre of Fort Chipewyan. Low fire activity was reported yesterday.

It is important to note that in the past two days, while Fort McMurray received a deluge of rain, the Fort Chipewyan area only received about 7mm of rain. Hot and dry conditions are forecasted for the rest of the week, with little chance of precipitation.

Alberta Wildfire has more than 200 firefighters and support personnel, 20 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment, with support from 65 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, directly working to hold and manage the wildfire. There are dozens of firefighters and teams on the ground that are continuing to build new fire breaks around the community to enhance the fire breaks that are already in place.

Find up-to-date information on the status of wildfires in the region on Alberta Wildfire’s Interactive Map and in the Fort McMurray Forested Area Updates. This information is also available on the Alberta Wildfire app.  

FireSmart deployed to Fort Chipewyan
The Regional Emergency Services program manager for FireSmart has been deployed to Fort Chipewyan this week to provide guidance and support for ongoing efforts to prepare and protect the community. Firefighting training for community members is also continuing.

Nation leaders providing daily updates

Official updates from the three Nation leaders are being provided daily at 7:30 p.m. These joint updates can be found on the leaders’ Facebook pages and will also be shared on the Nations’ Facebook pages.

Reminder: Vehicles left at Big Dock need to be moved
If you left your vehicle at the dock in Fort Chipewyan, it needs to be moved. Athabasca Tribal Council and the teams supporting evacuees at the hotels will help you send your keys to Fort Chipewyan.

Supporting evacuees
There are close to 1,000 registered evacuees staying in Fort McMurray and surrounding areas. The community is coming together to ensure there are many activities, supports and resources available for anyone who has left their home.  

Events for Wednesday, June 7

How to get there
A shuttle schedule has been developed with Sparksman Transportation to assist evacuees attend events and activities. For more information, visit rmwb.ca/fortchip.

Community member cards are available at evacuee accommodations, providing free access to Transit Services and MacDonald Island Park.

Find routes and schedules at rmwb.ca/transit, or plan your route using the Transit App or Google Maps.

Accessible transportation

Call Sparksman Dispatch at 780-790-3960 to request access to wheelchair friendly transportation.

Special Mobility Assistance Required Transportation (SMART Bus) service is available by appointment to seniors (65 years or older) and those with mobility issues. Learn how to register and book a ride at rmwb.ca/smartbus. Call 780-743-7909 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All bookings should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) located at Quality Hotel
Supplies including clothing, diapers, socks, underwear and other toiletries will be available through our donation centre at the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, 424 Gregoire Drive, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please speak to an Emergency Social Services member to assist you. If you have pets, limited food will be available at the same location.

Salvation Army Family Services (9919 MacDonald Ave.), What’s In Store (10020 Franklin Ave.) and Thrifty Dutchess (8104 Franklin Ave.) are also offering clothing support.

Additional ESS resources are also available at the hotels accommodating evacuees. If support is needed after 8 p.m., please contact Pulse at 1-800-973-9663 or 780-743-7000.

Meal allowances
If you are a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation or Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, please contact your Nation for meal allowance information.

For evacuees assigned accommodations through the RMWB, meals will be provided at the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre (424 Gregoire Drive).

Provincial financial support

The province is providing financial support if you have been evacuated from your primary residence for seven days or more. 

Albertans who qualify will receive: 

• $1,250 for each adult aged 18 and older
• $500 for each dependent child under 18

Ensure you have registered for a MyAlberta account. Learn more at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca. If you need help, go to the Alberta Supports office in the Provincial Building in Fort McMurray (9915 Franklin Ave.) or call 310-4455.

Reminder for pet owners

Bylaw Services has moved all dogs from Centerfire Place to K9 Clubhouse. Cats are currently being held at the Fort McMurray SPCA. To check if your pet is one of them or arrange for pick up, contact Pulse at 1-800-973-9663 or 780-743-7000.

For any pets that are still in Fort Chipewyan, please call Pulse for assistance.

Mental health resources

We recognize this is a stressful time for you and your loved ones. The following resources are available for support:

• AHS North Zone Addictions and Mental Health Services
• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
• Some Other Solutions Crisis Line: 780-743-4357
• Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322  
• Waypoints - Sexual Trauma Support Line: 780-791-6708 
• Waypoints - Family Violence Helpline: 780-743-1190
• Alcoholics Anonymous Fort McMurray
• Northern Lights Area of Narcotics Anonymous
• Text4Hope: Text HOPEAB to 393939 to subscribe

Stay informed

Evacuees can find all emergency updates and information at rmwb.ca/fortchip and on community trusted channels, as well as the Municipal Facebook and Twitter pages @RMWoodBuffalo.

For questions or further information, please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663.