Officials can’t yet speculate on when Fort McMurray residents will be able to return home, but it won’t be a matter of days.
Premier Rachel Notley says it’s clear the damage to the community is extensive and it’s not safe for residents.
“Firefighters continue to battle a very dangerous wildfire, once that immediate threat has passed we will still need to spend as much time as it takes to assess the infrastructure that is vital to support a community safely.”
The wildfire that’s destroyed at least 16-hundred structures has grown to 100,000 hectares.
More than 4-thousand people were evacuated by air from oil and gas camps north of the city Thursday, and it’s hoped ground convoys can start in the morning.
It was deemed too dangerous to try and take Highway 63 Thursday. Once it’s opened, fuel will also be brought up.