A wildfire in Fort McMurray is destroying homes and has displaced thousands of residents.
In the Beacon Hill area, 80 per cent of homes were completely destroyed by 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
According to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the mandatory evacuation order is still in effect for all of Fort McMurray and residents are not able to return to their homes.
#ymmfire Us getting out of Beacon Hill! My childhood home and everything I've ever known is burnt to the ground. :( pic.twitter.com/eY1KmCVIvi
— Holly Ayearst (@hollerslyfe) May 4, 2016
The wildfire, located one kilometre west of Gregoire in Fort McMurray, remains out of control and has burned approximately 2650 hectares. The north edge of the fire is growing rapidly.
There is serious loss to homes in Abasand and Waterways, and at least one home has been lost in Grayling Terrace, the downtown area, Thickwood and Dickinsfield. A total of 12 trailers have been confirmed lost on Mckinlay Crescent in the Timberlea area.
There are firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment working on the wildfire and more resources are reportedly on their way.
My sisters house *used* to be at the top of the hill in this picture, #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/XO7XcitsFG
— Anna ✵ (@BeachSideRide) May 4, 2016
As residents leave Fort McMurray, other communities are welcoming them. Reception Centres have been set up in Lac La Biche at the Bold Centre and in Edmonton at Northlands for residents evacuating to the south. Residents have been advised to follow the directions of local authorities.
Alberta Transportation posted on twitter Wednesday morning that they are escorting a fuel tanker on Highway 63 to help out stranded drivers.
ALL non-essential travel to #ymm on #hwy63 & #hwy881 now
— AB Transportation (@ABTransComm) May 3, 2016
restricted! https://t.co/a4zkWxSg50 #ymmfire @RMWoodBuffalo @safer63and881
On Tuesday night, the Regional Municipality called on hotels with space to donate beds to first responders.
Hotels and lodges in other communities have stepped up to welcome evacuees.
Those looking for more information can call the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for wildfire information at 780-762-3636.
Right now the Red Cross is mobilizing to help and are calling for donations on their website.
