Fear, anxiety as thousands flee their homes in Fort McMurray due to threat of wildfire

By Mrinali Anchan
CBC News
May 15, 2024
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada West

Thousands of Fort McMurray residents headed south to safety as a large out-of-control wildfire drew closer to their community, but many are worried they won’t have a home to return to. An evacuation order was issued Tuesday afternoon for the neighbourhoods of Beacon Hill, Abasand, Prairie Creek and Grayling Terrace, as the wildfire southwest of the community continues to grow. Other areas in Fort McMurray remain on evacuation alert and residents need to be ready to leave on short notice. …As of Tuesday night, the wildfire threatening the community has covered nearly 21,000 hectares as shifting winds and rising temperatures continue accelerating its growth and pushing the flames closer to the community. All residents in the evacuation zone were ordered to leave by 4 p.m. MT. …For some Fort McMurray residents, having to leave home due to the threat of wildfire is a familiar and bitter experience.

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