A wildfire that forced 80,000 people in northern Alberta to flee more than a year ago has finally been extinguished.
RELATED: One year after Fort McMurray wildfire, experts warn of increased threat
Wildfire information officer Lynn Daina says the Horse River fire that started on May 1, 2016 and destroyed more than 2,400 buildings in Fort McMurray and area was deemed officially out on Aug. 2.
READ MORE: Final Fort McMurray wildfire report indicates misunderstanding over seriousness of threat
She says they had to wait for winter to be over to see if any smoke or heat remained from the massive fire, dubbed “The Beast” because it was so fierce and unpredictable.
-
![]()
Intense video shows Beacon Hill resident fleeing as Fort McMurray wildfire rages – Part 1 -
![]()
Intense video shows Beacon Hill resident fleeing as Fort McMurray wildfire rages – Part 2 -
![]()
Intense video shows Beacon Hill resident fleeing as Fort McMurray wildfire rages – Part 3 -
![]()
Intense video shows Beacon Hill resident fleeing as Fort McMurray wildfire rages – Part 4 -
![]()
Intense video shows Beacon Hill resident fleeing as Fort McMurray wildfire rages – Part 5 -
![]()
Intense video shows Beacon Hill resident fleeing as Fort McMurray wildfire rages – Part 6
Daina says they also used advanced heat detectors from helicopters to ensure there were no remaining hot spots coming from the ground.
READ MORE: Report into Fort McMurray wildfire cites communications breakdown in early days
Wildfire crews will continue to monitor all areas.
The fire spread into Saskatchewan and burned nearly 6,000 square kilometres in total.
RELATED: Fort McMurray wildfire makes headlines around the world
“With a fire that size it takes time to make sure it is fully extinguished so we wait for a winters worth of snow and then in the summer we check to see if any smoke pops up and if not we use advanced heat detectors from helicopters and make sure there is no remaining heat,” Daina said.
“Once we determine there is no remaining heat left on the fire, we determine it is extinguished and out.”
The fire caused an estimated $3.8 billion in insured damage.
-
![]()
Caught on camera: Fort McMurray fire erupts behind Global News reporter -
![]()
Fort McMurray man watches his own home burn down via doorbell camera -
![]()
Fort McMurray Wildfire: Resident flees as fire surrounds him -
![]()
Fort McMurray Wildfire: Sights and sounds from the fire -
![]()
Fort McMurray wildfire: Residents begin returning home -
![]()
Mental health a concern for Fort McMurray wildfire evacuees
Comments