Evacuation Alert issued for Fort Chipewyan due to wildfire

11:24 a.m. update:

The RMWB states that elders, older adults, and vulnerable people who would like to leave, need to report to Mamawi Hall first to register.

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The RMWB, ACFN, and MCFN are issuing an Evacuation Alert for Fort Chipewyan due to a nearby wildfire.

This is not an order to evacuate.

Evacuation Alert means to be prepared to leave on short notice.

If an order is issued, you must be prepared to leave within 15 minutes notice and report to Big Dock or Archie Simpson Arena for evacuation assistance.

The RMWB states that contingency plans are being made just in case an order is issued, including air transportation from the community to Fort McMurray and temporary accommodations in Fort McMurray and Fort McKay for evacuees.

Vulnerable people are currently being relocated outside of the community, with the help of ACFN, MCFN, FCMN, and the RMWB.

If an order is issued, and you travel by boat on the Athabasca River, you are advised to travel south to Fort McKay at Barge Landing, where a registration centre will be located.

The Evacuation Alert is being issued due to a wildfire discovered on Sunday, May 28. The fire is classified as ‘out of control’ and has grown to 3,000 hectares, and was caused by lightning.

Alberta Wildfire says that currently there are two helitack crews, four helicopters, and two air tankers working to contain the wildfire.

A State of Local Emergency has also been declared for the community.

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