Fort McMurray Faces Fierce Wildfires Again: Tens of Thousands Evacuated
According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, Canada is battling over 130 wildfires, with 40 labeled as out of control. These include a significant fire near Fort McMurray, echoing the destructive blaze in 2016—the largest in the nation's history.
6:49 AM EDT, May 15, 2024
Wildfires have engulfed approximately 52,000 acres of forests near Fort McMurray in Alberta. On Tuesday, May 14th, authorities in the region declared a state of emergency and evacuated around 6,600 residents. The situation revived fears from eight years ago when the community was hit by the most extensive forest fire ever recorded in Canada.
Tragedy Strikes Again in Alberta
As Global News TV reported, the wildfire's reach is swiftly expanding. By 4 PM local time, officials reported that around 27,180 acres of forest were ablaze. Merely three hours later, the inferno had already consumed nearly 52,000 acres.
The evacuation has congested roads leading south out of the danger zone. Residents unable to leave independently gathered at designated points, where buses transported them to safety.
The Heart of the Crisis: Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray was the epicenter of Canada's largest forest fire in northeastern Alberta in May 2016. Approximately 88,000 residents from the city and surrounding areas were displaced, and the flames destroyed about one-fifth of the city's structures.
This year, the wildfire season in Canada is accelerating with frightening speed. Although it hasn't yet surpassed last year's record-breaking extent, firefighters caution that it could reach similar proportions.
Source: PAP/CNN
