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The massive wildfire that has struck Fort McMurray is having a rippling effect on the BC Interior as residents and workers look to return home.
All scheduled WestJet flights in and out of the Fort McMurray airport (YMM) have been cancelled for today, but the company says it will be getting people out of the area. According to spokesperson Lauren Stewart, WestJet will be sending an empty aircraft to YMM on Wednesday to take people out of the area. No flights will be coming to Kelowna or Kamloops as the aircraft will be directed to Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. The workers will be responsible to find their own way home from these destinations.
Suncor Energy, one of the largest employers in the region says its plant, which is located 25 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, is not affected by the wildfire, but has scaled back production to allow employees and their families evacuate the area safely. The plant is also providing safe accommodation for those who are on rotation and expected to fly home. Contractors who do not reside in the region are being directed to the Suncor Firebag Aerodrome or Shell Aerodrome where a flight will be available for them to Calgary or Edmonton.
Employees who are currently at camp are being told to stay put as it is the safest place to be at the moment. Non-essential employees are being told not to come to work and to contact their leader before reporting for work. Camps are filled with those who have been evacuated from Fort McMurray and with staff and their families who need a place to stay.
The wildfire is now in excess of 10,000 hectares and a number of homes have been destroyed as a result. According to Premier Rachel Notley more than 1,600 structures have been damaged by or destroyed by the fire. Conditions are being called "explosive" and windy conditions are expected on Wednesday, making things worse for fire fighters.
Critical Message:
— RMWB (@RMWoodBuffalo) May 4, 2016
Evacuees north of #fortmcmurray must stay where they are and shelter in place.
We cannot stress this enough. #ymmfire
Do you know someone who is looking to return to Kelowna or Kamloops from Northern Alberta? Contact us at news@kelownanow.com.
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