May 31, 5:30 p.m. update:
The fire has grown to an estimated 8,600 hectares.
According to Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, the last of the evacuees are on their way out.
“We got all the dogs and the animals on the plane,” Adam said.
“We’re going to stay behind and we’re going to help protect the community in any way that we can but just letting you know that everybody is leaving and that’s the last of the evacuees.”
Adams says he believes they evacuated over 1,000 people out of the community.
Those who have been evacuated and looking for their pets are asked to head to Centrefire Place.
Bylaw asks that you try to pick them up as soon as possible.
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May 31, 9:12 a.m. update:
The RMWB states anyone planning to leave Fort Chipewyan can now head to Archie Simpson Arena to register as an evacuee and be assigned a flight.
“You do not need to wait for someone to knock on your door to be told to evacuate. Right now, there is room for more people on the planes arriving to transport people to Fort McMurray.”
Find more information on the evacuation instructions at rmwb.ca/fortchip
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The RMWB is issuing an mandatory evacuation notice for the entire community of Fort Chipewyan.
The notice is being issued in conjunction with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN), Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB).
Priority is currently being given to vulnerable people and the elderly. The RMWB is advising If you are in this group, proceed to the Archie Simpson Arena and register.
Do not go directly to the airport at this time.
Air transportation from the community to Fort McMurray is being arranged. Temporary accommodations are being set up in Fort McMurray and Fort McKay for evacuees
The evacuation will be done in stages and will begin with residents in Allison Bay, the nearest community to the wildfire boundary.
Residents will be informed through the three Nations or emergency officials by phone or door-to-door once their neighbourhood is ready to be evacuated.
Only limited flights are available for the remainder of today.
The majority of people will be transported out of Fort Chipewyan tomorrow, beginning at approximately 8 a.m.
If you do not live in Allison Bay or are not a vulnerable person, please wait until tomorrow to register as an evacuee and leave the community.
Fort Chipewyan leadership is asking all residents to remain calm and wait to be informed. Evacuating in stages is needed due to limited space at the airport.
All evacuees must report to Archie Simpson Arena first
All evacuees must report to Archie Simpson Arena to receive a wristband and be assigned a flight.
Residents evacuating by boat on the Athabasca River should then report to Big Dock before travelling south to Fort McKay or to your cabin. An evacuation registration centre will also be in Fort McKay
Chief Adam, Chief Tuccaro, and President Cardinal are working closely with RMWB Emergency Management and Alberta Forestry during this time.
If you are living in areas under an Evacuation Order you should register online as an evacuee.
To register visit, MyAlberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS). Those having trouble with online access can call the Government of Alberta call centre (310-4455) to register over the phone.
All evacuees are advised to:
- Follow the instructions of emergency responders.
- Ensure everyone in your household is aware of the evacuation
- Notify emergency responders if you are aware of vulnerable residents who may need assistance evacuating.
Pets may be brought to the Archie Simpson Arena. There are plans in place to help keep pets safe. Please make sure to leash your pets and bring a crate if possible.
Please complete the Animal Rescue request if an animal needs to be rescued by RMWB staff. Ensure all information is correct before submitting the form.
