UPDATE: The Fort McMurray wildfire is expected to grow to more than 200,000 hectares by midnight tonight. More than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, along with 15 helicopters, 14 air tankers and 88 other pieces of equipment.
The temperature forecast for Sunday is 15 degrees with winds gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour. There is the potential for rain in the Fort McMurray area.
The Fort McMurray wildfire grew to 156,000 hectares late last night and it’s anticipated it will more than double by the end of the day Saturday. It’s possible it may reach the Saskatchewan border, and Fort McKay is now under a voluntary evacuation order.
There are now more than 500 firefighters on the ground with 27 air tankers available and 16 currently in use. Firefighters and equipment are coming from all over the country.
Premier Rachel Notley says their goal is to have everyone who fled to oil and gas camps north of the city evacuated through Fort McMurray today. 2,000 vehicles made it out using RCMP and Department of National Defence escorted convoys.
So far 32,000 households have registered with the Red Cross, and anyone who hasn’t yet is encouraged to do so, even if they’re at an evacuation centre. There is still no timeline for residents to return home.