Federal government to match Red Cross donations for Fort McMurray

By The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government of Canada will match all donations to the Red Cross to assist people displaced by the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alta.

The House of Commons is holding an extraordinary debate on the devastating fire, which is now in its third day and has forced the evacuation of nearly 90,000 people in northern Alberta.

Trudeau says the scale of the fire’s destruction has not yet been fully assessed but called it far-reaching and devastating.

 

 

There’s a plan to airlift evacuees who were cut off when they fled north to escape an intense wildfire burning in and around Fort McMurray.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says it’s hoped about one-third of the 25,000 people staying in oilfield work camps can be flown out.

Alberta Emergency Management says energy companies in the area are prepared to use their planes in an airlift.

Scott Long says a military Hercules aircraft is also on standby.

Officials are also hoping to co-ordinate a convoy down the highway back through Fort McMurray and south from there.

Winds gusting to 70 km/h late Wednesday caused the fire to swell rapidly to cover 850 square kilometres.

Officials do not have an update on how many buildings have been destroyed or damaged in the city. The count stood at 1,600 on Wednesday.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today