Marc Cleary

(May 12, 11 a.m.) MWF-017 Update Fire behaviour is subdued this morning but is expected to increase today as the temperature increases. The wildfire remains about 16 kilometres southwest of Fort McMurray. Yesterday it grew significantly and is now 5,500 hectares in size. Winds from the southeast at 20 km/h are expected today and this should push the wildfire away from Highway 63 and towards the Athabasca River. Smoke is not expected to impact communities at this time. The fire is approximately 12 km west of Highway 63. The highway remains clear and open. RCMP and Alberta Wildfire continue to monitor the fire activity around the highway. The RCMP is the lead agency to communicate any highway impacts. For highway updates, check Alberta 511. In it’s 10 a.m. update, Alberta Wildfire reported that night vision helicopters worked overnight and dropped water on the southeastern edge. Six crews of wildland firefighters, 13 helicopters and airtankers will work on this wildfire today. Heavy equipment will work on establishing a fire guard on the northeast edge of the fire. An evacuation alert remains in place for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray First Nation #468, Anzac, and Rickards Landing Industrial Park. There is no immediate risk to these communities, the alert ensures residents are prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Today an Incident Management Team with participation from Regional Emergency Services will be managing this wildfire. Structure protection is also being established in Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray 468 First Nation as a precaution. Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on MWF-017, and they will provide updates as the situation changes. Follow trusted sources. For most recent information on the evacuation alert visit rmwb.ca/alerts . For the most recent wildfire information, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit alberta.ca/wildfire-status