Officials work hard to ready Fort McMurray for citizens’ return

With just a week left before the target date of letting people return home to Fort McMurray, the wildfire burning outside the city continues to grow.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the flames were estimated to have scorched about 566,000 hectares with 4,600 burning in Saskatchewan.

More than two thousand fire fighters are now on the ground in Alberta thanks to more than one thousand coming from all over Canada, parts of the U.S. and even South Africa.

Efforts continue to get the city ready for the return of its citizens.

One important aspect of any community is strong local businesses and that was the focus a Wood Buffalo council meeting Wednesday night where a business and economic recovery plan was the highlight.

The plan is broken down into three phases and features an assistance hot-line, creating a recovery welcome centre, and finalizing financial aid for business owners.

It could also include developing a business recovery park down the road if it’s deemed necessary.

The plan as a whole should take three to five years complete.

RCMP in the area are working hard as officers are patrolling the city to ensure property is safe, while keeping people out of high-risk zones and controlling traffic through the city.

They are also monitoring Highway 63 to ensure people are driving safely as they return to work camps in the area.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today