2 hour wildfire evacuation notice issued for some Fort McMurray neighborhoods

The RMWB has issued a Wildfire Evacuation Order.

This order is in effect for Beacon Hill, Abasand, Prairie Creek, and Grayling Terrace.

An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray First Nation #468, Anzac, and Rickards Landing Industrial Park.

Due to the approaching wildfire, interfacing communities are being evacuated to allow for fire suppression efforts. All residents and businesses in these areas must leave the area by 4p.m.

This is in effect at 2:14 pm.

According to Alberta Wildfire, the fire behavior Monday was not significant, but it has grown closer to Fort McMurray and we anticipate similar conditions and smoke today. The fire is spreading through ground and fine fuels in the former burn area of 2016. It is not a crown fire but is spreading on the ground in the tall, cured grass. The winds today will bring the fire closer to Fort McMurray.

The closest point of the fire is about 13.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill. The wildfire is about 13 km from the intersection of highways 63 and 881.

The fire is expected to approach the Fort McMurray landfill and highway 63, getting closer to Prairie Creek, Abasand, Grayling Terrace and Beacon Hill.

Highway 63 remains open, but officials said the province and RCMP would be monitoring the proximity of the wildfire to the highway and would communicate any changes.