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Jan 05, 2024

Firefighters keep wildfire out of Fort Chipewyan

Author of the article: FORT McMURRAY — The wildfire that caused the evacuation

Author of the article:

FORT McMURRAY — The wildfire that caused the evacuation of Fort Chipewyan had not entered the community Thursday as firefighters rush to protect the community. However, a spokesperson with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation says there have been cabins and traplines destroyed by the flames. How many have been lost is still being determined.

Alberta Wildfire says the wildfire was 13 kilometres from Fort Chipewyan and six kilometres from the Allison Bay reserve. It is burning out of control and covers an area of 86 square kilometres. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said that as of 5 p.m. Thursday, more than 820 people have been safely moved out of Fort Chipewyan. Previous estimates placed that number at roughly 1,000 people.

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"We’re just getting ready to get on with the day. Things are doing OK. We got some good rain, but it feels quiet," said Kendrick Cardinal, a municipal councillor and Fort Chipewyan Métis Association president who is staying in Fort Chipewyan to help coordinate responses. "I’m worried about how people are feeling. We don't want to lose our community and we will fight to the end to protect it."

The wildfire is being attacked by three helitack crews, six helicopters for bucketing operations, two airtankers and dozens of firefighters on the ground. More people and equipment are being moved into the area Thursday and Friday. There are firetrucks, a tanker and pumper truck on standby in the community. Heavy equipment is also available to clear debris, move equipment and build breaks.

Most residents gone by Wednesday

Fort Chipewyan's isolation has been a concern for emergency officials since it is only reachable by plane or boat without a winter road. The community has never been evacuated, although elders were moved out of the community last summer when wildfire smoke swept into the community.

Community leaders say there was confusion in the early hours of the evacuation on Tuesday, but the process went better than expected. The plan was to have everyone out of the community within 72 hours, but almost everyone was gone by the end of the day Wednesday. Those remaining are helping with firefighting and relief efforts.

The evacuation was staggered. Vulnerable and elderly people were prioritized on Tuesday, as were Allison Bay residents because they were closest to the fire. Most people left on Wednesday morning.

The Royal Canadian Air Force flew 116 people to Fort McMurray on Tuesday evening using a C-130J Hercules transport. McMurray Aviation, Northwestern Air and WestJet carried as many people as possible.

Evacuees arriving in Fort McMurray were bused to Centerfire Place to register and get supplies. Some people are staying with family or friends. Others are staying at hotels provided by the municipality.

Chief Raymond Powder of the Fort McKay First Nation said on Wednesday that 79 people in 41 boats arrived in his community. Both the First Nation and Fort McKay Métis Nation had food and a place to rest for the evacuees. The boats are being watched by security.

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