Canadian government responds to Fort McMurray
Digital Reporter
Thursday, May 5, 2016, 10:38 AM - As a violent wildfire continues to burn through Fort McMurray, Alta., the federal government announced its full support of Alberta’s government through their state of local emergency.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured Albertans that federal help is on standby Tuesday evening, after more than 80,000 residents were forced to evacuate for safety.
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Tonight I spoke with Premier Notley and offered our government’s support to the people of Fort McMurray. We stand ready to help. #ymmfire
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 4, 2016
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale also assured that the federal government is watching the situation in a statement Tuesday.
“The situation is fluid and evolving rapidly,” Goodale said. “The Government of Canada, through the Government Operations Centre, including the Department of Defence, is monitoring the situation carefully.”
Have spoken w/ Govt of Alberta to assure all support as Ft Mac battles huge fire. Fed Govt Ops Centre + DND fully engaged.
— Ralph Goodale (@RalphGoodale) May 4, 2016
Goodale also confirmed that he and his provincial counterparts are ready to provide assistance.
The National Defence Headquarters told The Weather Network that the military has not yet been dispatched to the Fort McMurray area, as they’re working to determine all details required to support the fight against the fire. The Federal Department of Safety and the National Defence Headquarters are working together to conclude these details before dispatching military assistance.
The #CAF is preparing to support @Safety_Canada, Province of #Alberta and first responders in #FortMcMurray
— Canadian Forces (@CanadianForces) May 4, 2016
“Things are evolving really quickly, we still have coordination that’s ongoing with Public Safety and the Province of Alberta,” a National Defense Headquarters representative told The Weather Nerwork. “[O]nce all of these details have been determined and the assets that will be deployed are confirmed, we can disclose [further information],”
The wildfire is situated in the heart of the Canadian oil sands, and has already claimed 80 per cent of the homes in the Beacon Hill area.
Shell has since closed one oil sands mine, Reuters reports. The oil giant was in the process of closing another Wednesday morning.
The blaze began just west-southwest of Fort McMurray Sunday, progressing violently toward the city by Tuesday due to winds.
