Crews hold back Fort McMurray fire from oilsands as flames move into Saskatchewan
Posted May 19, 2016 02:17:52 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON – Officials say the threat of the Fort McMurray wildfire has diminished as the flames move into Saskatchewan.
Alberta senior wildlife manager Chad Morrison says fire crews have been successful holding the fire back from oilsands facilities and work camps.
The massive fire, which has grown to 5,000 square kilometres, has crossed the Saskatchewan boundary into other forested areas.
Morrison says the blaze has burned the same amount of forest as all fires consumed in Alberta last year.
He says a trace amount of rain fell in the region this morning and more moisture, along with cooler temperatures, are forecast in the coming days.
The province has said more than 80,000 residents evacuated from Fort McMurray two weeks ago may start returning to the community on June 1 if it is safe.
