Burned trees are shown in Saprae Creek near Fort McMurray, Alta, on Friday June 3, 2016. Officials lifted an evacuation order for the city on Saturday, after crews built defensive structures against a wildfire that is approaching the area. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason FransonThe Canadian Press
The evacuation order covering four communities in Fort McMurray lifted Saturday, thanks to a streak of rain, cooler temperatures and work by crews to build defensive structures against an approaching wildfire.
Roughly 6,000 people were ordered to evacuate May 14th, although many more left because they wanted to avoid a do-over of the chaotic 2016 evacuation. Officials also ended the local state of emergency and lifted the evacuation alert for the rest of the city and surrounding communities, such as Fort McMurray First Nation and Anzac.
“It is now safe for us to end the current evacuation and allow people to return to their homes,” Sandy Bowman, the city’s mayor, said at a community update Saturday morning. He acknowledged that the welcome news could still stir difficult emotions for those who fled the city.
“As you make the journey home, please take your time, be safe, and reach out for help or someone to talk to if you need to,” Mr. Bowman said. “It is really important to continue to support and be there for each other, now and for the rest of the summer, during this wildfire season.”
The fire is still classified as out of control.
More to come.