Running from Fire 2024 - Fort McMurray

As of May 16, 2024, the wildfire danger is high in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Alberta Wildfire is actively responding to an out-of-control wildfire located south of Fort McMurray. The fire, known as MWF017, covers an area of approximately 19,820 hectares and remains classified as out of control.
The closest point of the fire is about 5.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill and 4.5 km from the intersection of highways 63 and 881. However, thanks to cooler temperatures, weaker winds, and smoke cover, the fire activity has decreased. Overnight rain has further assisted in reducing fire intensity.
Firefighters are working diligently to establish containment lines, and helicopters and airtankers continue to drop water on the active edges of the fire. Heavy equipment operators are also constructing fire guards southwest of Fort McMurray.
Evacuation Measures:
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has issued an evacuation order for the communities of Prairie Creek, Beacon Hill, Abasand, and Grayling Terrace.
An evacuation alert remains in place for the rest of Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, and Anzac. Residents in these areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.