8,100 wildfire evacuees return home due to 'optimal firefighting conditions'
Good news from northern Alberta.
Around 8,100 residents from Mackenzie County who were displaced by wildfires are returning to their homes today thanks to a shift in weather and “optimal conditions for firefighting,” according to an update from the province.
Another 900 residents of the Dene Tha’ and Beaver First Nations are expected to return home on Tuesday, June 26.
These areas have been deemed safe for people to return to today:
- The Rocky Lane and High Level area north of the Peace River, south of Highway 58, west of Range Road 150 and south and southeast of High Level
- The Hamlet of La Crete and the rural area outside the hamlet
- Range Road 164 to Range Road 150, south of the Peace River, north and south of Highway 697
However, the entire area is still on evacuation alert, including High Level and parts of Mackenzie County such as the area west of Range Road 164, south of the Peace River to Township Road 1010, and the Machesis Lake campground, as well as for those who are returning home today.
Those residents are warned to be ready to leave quickly if conditions change.
Firefighters from Canada, the US, and Mexico are currently fighting the wildfires to keep Albertans safe, according to the update from the Government of Alberta. However, of the 20 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, two are out of control, six are held, seven are controlled, and five have been turned over to the responsible parties — ie. left in the care of the people in charge of the small area in which they burned.
Albertans should be aware of the poor air quality and visibility due to the fires.
For any questions regarding financial support, insurance, legal matters, income, and social support, or updates on evacuations, check on their website and Facebook for more information.
See also
Follow Channels and Categories