EVACUATION AND RETURN TO FORT MCMURRAY
Thursday, May 12 New numbers from government enumerated 2,432 structures destroyed by fire, 530 damaged and 25,000 still standing.
Hundreds of workers reconnect gas and electricity to homes, perform insurance estimates, begin bringing the hospital back into working order, and provide mental and medical health services to people working in the municipality. Alberta Health Services sets up a mobile hospital. Friday, May 13 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Fort McMurray, where he meets with the fire chief, the premier and emergency workers. Monday, May 16 The wind changes direction, pushing the fire close to some work camps. By Monday night, 8,000 non-essential workers are forced out of a dozen camps in the area. The wildfire destroys Horizon North’s 665-room Blacksand Executive Lodge.
A house explodes in Dickinsfield, damaging seven nearby houses. Another fire at a Thickwood fourplex leaves three condominiums damaged.
The Air Quality Health Index hits a hazardously high level. Wednesday, May 18 Premier Notley announces the plan to allow people back into Fort McMurray. It will begin June 1, and take until June 15. Not all services will be available in the townsite immediately. Saturday, May 21 The municipality lifts the evacuation order for eight oilsands camps north of Fort McMurray. The fire has spread across the Saskatchewan border. Monday, May 23 The municipality lifts the evacuation orders for six more work camps.
Re-entry plans: If the wildfire is no longer an imminent threat; the air quality is safe; fire, police, and ambulance services are operating fully; safe transportation is possible to, from, and within the community; and food stores, pharmacies and banks are operating by May 31, residents will begin to return to Fort McMurray on June 1. Wednesday, June 1 Residents of the lower townsite (downtown), Anzac, Fort McMurray First Nation, and Gregoire Lake Estates can return. Thursday, June 2 Parsons Creek, Stone Creek, Timberlea, Eagle Ridge, and Dickinsfield residents can return. Friday, June 3 Thickwood, Wood Buffalo, Gregoire, Prairie Creek, and Saprae Creek Estates residents can return. Saturday, June 4 Waterways, Abasand, Beacon Hill, Grayling Terrace, and Draper residents can return. June 15 The government’s goal date to restore all hospital and long-term care services. June 30 The government’s goal date to restore potable water to the community. September 2016 Fort McMurray schools reopen.