Fort McMurray fire: Premier Notley looks at long road to recovery for evacuees

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – While fire crews continue to battle the massive blaze that has consumed at least 1,600 homes, businesses and public buildings in the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray, the province’s premier is turning at least part of her focus to what comes next.

Premier Rachel Notley says plans are in the works for concrete support for the more than 80,000 evacuees forced out of the community, including financial aid and transitional housing.

At a supper hour news conference on Thursday, Notley said steps are being taken to ensure that people on an income assistance program for the disabled get their money. The provincial cabinet will also look at giving evacuees cash cards.

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“I must stress that these are very early days and there is much more to do, and more help will be needed,” she said.

As for those whose homes have been destroyed, she said an assessment is underway to determine what temporary options might be available, including university student housing that should be freed up soon as the school year comes to an end.

READ MORE: Highway 63 convoys begin Friday to bring trapped evacuees south

She asked all evacuees “whether you’re in the reception centre or you’re staying in your friend’s rec room” to register themselves either online or by phoning the Red Cross, adding it is crucial to the province’s ability to determine what support everyone requires.

A massive convoy is underway to move evacuees stranded at oilfield camps north of Fort McMurray, Alta., through the fire-ravaged community to safe areas south of the oilsands capital.

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The RCMP and military are overseeing the procession of an estimated 1,500 vehicles, which began around 6 a.m. Friday, four days after a mandatory evacuation of Fort McMurray that was triggered by a nearby wildfire.

Sgt. John Spaans, an RCMP spokesman, said 50 vehicles at a time are being allowed to go through Fort McMurray on Highway 63.

Spaans said the RCMP will be marshalling the movement with cars at the front and rear, with police monitoring progress overhead in military helicopters.

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“That’s why we had the helicopters … just to make sure the motorists and responders are safe in case there’s a sudden change in fire direction,” he said.

“They would be able to notify everyone immediately.”

All intersections along the convoy route have been blocked off to ensure no one goes astray. Police said no one will be allowed to stop.

It’s hoped that all the vehicles can get out of the area Friday, if the weather, fire and road conditions co-operate, Spaans said.

Police will release each convoy about 20 kilometres south of Fort McMurray with evacuees instructed to continue on to the Edmonton area, more than 400 kilometres south.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that Ottawa has met all of the Alberta government’s requests for assistance, including providing air assets and 7000 cots for evacuees in emergency shelters, with 13,000 more on the way.