Fire grows to more than 100,000 hectares, money coming for evacuees

The monstrous Fort McMurray wildfire has grown to more than 100,000 hectares, roughly the size of Calgary. The blaze has passed Anzac and has destroyed 12 structures in that community.

The wind is expected to shift northeast, pushing the fire away from the city into forested areas. However, the fire is expected to double in size on Saturday.  During an update Friday morning, Premier Rachel Notley said the downtown is largely in tact, the hospital still standing, water treatment plant, municipal buildings and the airport also remain in tact. The premier says firefighters have been working hard to protect residential areas and they’ve managed to hold the line against the fires in neighbourhoods.

“We’ve all seen the heartbreaking images taken by citizens travelling through Fort McMurray today. And there is no doubt the damage is extensive and will take many months or repair,” said Notley.

The Alberta government is providing emergency financial assistance to thousands of people who have been displaced by the Fort McMurray wildfire. Notley says a massive package of aid has been approved by her cabinet.

“We will provide $1,250 per adult and $500 per dependant. We will provide this assistance to approximately 80,000 people. We will deliver these funds to you in the coming days, by Wednesday next week,” she said.

Notley says details on a cash card for evacuees will be released in the coming days. She’s urging evacuees to register wherever they are.

Efforts are continuing to move thousands of evacuees to shelters, while donations of money and basic goods flow into Alberta to help those displaced. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor, Melissa Blake, became emotional while discussing the support coming in from across the province, country and around the world.

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