A new wildfire in northern Alberta has become the number 1 priority as many evacuated from their communities.
The wildfire near Fort Chipewyan grew from 300 hectares on Sunday to 4,000 by Wednesday. It is believed to have been caused by lightning. On Tuesday, the nearest boundary was 13 kilometres from Fort Chipewyan, according to Alberta Wildfire.
Just before noon on Wednesday, an Alberta emergency alert was updated telling people they no longer had to wait for someone to knock on their door to be told to leave. All evacuees are to report to Archie Simpson Arena to register as an evacuee, receive a wristband and be assigned a flight.
People with pets can bring them to the arena as well, with a leash and crate if possible, as plans are in place to keep animals safe.
Residents evacuating by boat on the Athabasca River should report to Big Dock before travelling south to Fort McKay or to their cabin.
As of Wednesday morning, about 420 of Mikisew’s 585 members had left.
Six helicopters helping with bucketing and two airtankers groups were assisting firefighters on Tuesday. The Canadian Armed Forces is helping to get people to safety.
Fort Chipewyan is only accessible by plane or boat with more flights gearing up for Wednesday.
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