Fort McMurray fire: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to visit city on Friday

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will pay a visit to the city of Fort McMurray on Friday.

Trudeau confirmed the trip in the House of Commons during Question Period on Tuesday afternoon. The prime minister is expected to spend the day visiting the area affected by a wildfire that local officials have dubbed “the beast.”

WATCH: Ongoing video coverage of Fort McMurray wildfire

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The prime minister had previously said he would wait until the situation in the Alberta city had stabilized before heading out there, arguing that a visit from him would pull security and other resources away from the fire.

The fire forced the evacuation of Fort McMurray last week, and is estimated to have destroyed around 15 per cent of structures in the city. Some neighbourhoods were totally decimated, while others were largely untouched. The evacuation order remains in effect.

READ MORE: Notley, energy executives to discuss Fort McMurray wildfire’s impact on oilsands operations

Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose, who represents the Alberta riding of Sturgeon River-Parkland, has spent the last several days in the area around Fort McMurray.