Advertisement

Wildfire burns in Wood Buffalo National Park; no threat to Fort McMurray

A file photo of Wood Buffalo National Park. CREDIT: UNESCO

A wildfire was burning in Wood Buffalo National Park, the municipality said on Friday. It stressed the fire was not threatening the city of Fort McMurray at all.

The province explained smoke from fires in the northeastern part of Alberta was drifting into northern Alberta.

Officials asked that anyone experiencing health issues call 811.

Alberta Health Services issued an air quality advisory for Fort McMurray and other communities because of the smoke from wildfires. AHS says even healthy people my suffer eye and throat irritation and shortness of breath.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

The advisory also applies to the communities of Fort McKay and Fort Chipewyan. The agency notes the smoke conditions may cause anxiety linked with last year’s wildfire in Fort McMurray.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo reminded people of community health supports and counselling services that are available. It asked anyone affected to seek help.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire one year later: The rebuild by the numbers

Thirteen months ago, the entire region was evacuated as a wildfire, later dubbed “The Beast,” forced everyone to flee.

The fire destroyed 2,579 homes and other buildings.

— With files from The Canadian Press

Sponsored content

AdChoices