The largest number of people were expected to return to Fort McMurray Thursday during the week-long phased re-entry.
The first several thousand returned Wednesday — with many arriving to spoiled food, mouldy refrigerators and overgrown lawns. Others returned to their homes just as they left them.
Residents of Parson Creek, Stone Creek, Timberlea, Eagle Ridge, and Dickinsfield — all neighbourhoods on the north side of the community — were eligible to return Thursday. Those areas represent more than 47 per cent of the city’s population, or about 40,000 people.
“It’s shocking,” Rodney Price, a resident of Timberlea, said. “It’s a little overwhelming.
“The whole area, the trees are knocked down, the subdivision, that’s the devastating part for us. The house we can rebuild, we can fix it and move on from there.”
“I was in total shock,” Joanne Price said, standing next to their home, melting siding hanging off it. “I guess I was expecting this but not to that extent. Just seeing it in person is worse than seeing it on the news or in pictures.”
Global News has crews in Fort McMurray for the re-entry process. You can follow their coverage through the live blog below:
By 10 a.m. Thursday, about 2,000 vehicles were heading into Fort McMurray, which was double the amount from the previous day.
“Based on traffic flow so far this morning and what we saw yesterday, we expect approximately 20,000 people will voluntarily come back to their community today,” Scott Long, Alberta Emergency Management Organization, said.
On Wednesday, residents of Lower Townsite, Anzac, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, and Gregoire Lake Estates were allowed to come back home.
Officials planned for about 15,000 people to return on Wednesday, but estimate only about 8,000 did.
“At the end of the day, there are lots of families that have currently embedded their kids in schools somewhere else because our schools aren’t open for the rest of the year,” said Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen.
“So there’s lots of reasons people will or will not come back. For those who choose to come back, that’s great. And if people chose to stay a little bit south for a bit, that’s fine too.”
WATCH: Thousands of Fort McMurray residents were expected to return to the city during day 2 of the phased re-entry plan.
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Old and new appliances in Fort McMurray -
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Adjusting to Fort McMurray with children -
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Collecting vehicles abandoned near Fort McMurray -
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Hundreds of Fort McMurray fridges thrown out -
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Day 2 of Fort McMurray re-entry largest of phased plan -
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: Update on Fort McMurray re-entry process
Plan for Waterways, Beacon Hill, Abasand:
Bob Couture, director of the Regional Emergency Operations Centre, said a plan for residents of Waterways, Beacon Hill and Abasand to safely access their neighbourhood will be in place June 10. He said details will be provided “shortly.”
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: Hundreds of undamaged homes not safe to live in
Red Cross support:
The Canadian Red Cross announced Thursday an additional $50 million to support community organizations with wildfire relief and recovery efforts. The total amount of dollars from the Red Cross now sits at $165 million, but – as government matching dollars are calculated – that number is expected to rise.
“As of now, generous individuals, corporations and community groups have donated over $125 million,” Red Cross CEO Conrad Suavé said. He explained $115 million of that has already been spent or committed to the cause.
“This response is in the hearts of millions of Canadians,” Suavé said.
The Red Cross’ focus is on individuals and families, shelter and home cleanup, repair and restoration and supporting local businesses.
“This disaster has been unprecedented and has required an unprecedented response,” Suavé said, adding the organization will remain on scene in Fort McMurray to help residents as they return.
The dates and communities scheduled for re-entry are as follows:
- Zone 1: Lower Townsite, Anzac, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, Gregoire Lake Estates (June 1)
- Zone 2: Parsons Creek, Stone Creek, Timberlea, Eagle Ridge, Dickinsfield (June 2)
- Zone 3: Thickwood, Wood Buffalo (June 3)
- Zone 4(a): Gregoire, Prairie Creek, Saprae Creek Estates (Friday, June 3)
- Zone 4(b): Grayling Terrace, Draper (June 4)
Officials said while residents of other neighbourhoods won’t be turned away, nor prevented from accessing their homes, they’re asking people to respect the phased plan.
Fire status:
The wildfire torched 2,400 homes and buildings when it forced 80,000 residents out of town May 3.
As of Thursday morning, the wildfire was at 580,000 hectares in size and was still considered out of control, but wasn’t threatening any communities.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters, 75 helicopters and about 200 pieces of heavy equipment were still battling the fire Thursday.
READ MORE: Officials warn of drones buzzing around Fort McMurray wildfire
Officials said they have been getting the upper hand on the fire, but there have been reports of unauthorized aircraft in the area that have been reason for concern.
“Drones can endanger first responders, they can impede progress on the wildfire, as well they can lead to significant fines of up to $25,000,” Alberta Wildfire officer Chad Morrison said.
With files from The Canadian Press
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