While tens of thousands of people have returned to Fort McMurray already, residents of the communities hardest hit by last month’s massive wildfire will get their first opportunity to see what’s left of their homes Wednesday, if anything is left at all.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: Homeowners get first chance to sift through destroyed properties
The neighbourhoods of Waterways, Beacon Hill and Abasand have been deemed uninhabitable because of toxins detected through environmental monitoring. However, residents of those communities will be able to gain access to their properties along with members of Wood Buffalo’s property visit team and accredited contractors who are accompanying homeowners.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: Blaze now 70% contained, Suncor to ramp up production
“Tomorrow, we’re going to reach another milestone in our re-entry process,” Bob Couture, director of the Regional Emergency Operations Centre, said in a video post he tweeted Tuesday evening. “As you might be aware, the community has changed significantly since you were evacuated.
“It is going to be an emotional day.”
Watch below: A difficult process is about to begin for three of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods impacted by the Fort McMurray wildfire. The communities of Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways have been off limits because of unsafe levels of toxic chemicals. On Wednesday, area residents will be allowed back to see what’s left of their properties. Nancy Carlson has more.
Residents will be asked to sign in and provide identification at security checkpoints and are expected to wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Wood Buffalo officials said visitors will be provided with nitrile gloves and masks on-site.
The homeowners will be able to access the neighbourhoods from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Couture said there is no time limit on how long someone can stay as long as it is within that timeframe.
While residents with destroyed homes who just want to view the property can just show up, anyone wanting to sift through the remains of their home need to schedule an appointment with Team Rubicon. The non-profit organization has helped victims of natural disasters in the U.S. in the past, and is now operating for the first time in Canada.
Couture said Rubicon trained 90 staff prepared to help residents access their homes but added more will be trained to accommodate the demand. Because of the high demand, sifting visits are being capped at four hours and will only take place once.
To schedule an appointment with Team Rubicon, people are asked to call the PULSE line at 780-743-7000. Appointments are being taken until June 19 and officials said visits will continue until all scheduled visits are completed.
READ MORE: Aerial footage above Fort McMurray shows the devastation in Abasand and Beacon Hill
Residents whose homes are structurally sound and can sift through their belongings, are encouraged to take only essential items. People whose homes are partially damaged are being urged to to coordinate visits with their insurance company.
Couture said residents will be able to remove any personal possessions they wish to.
Wood Buffalo officials are encouraging residents of the three neighbourhoods to take advantage of mental supports being provided to help cope with what should be an extremely difficult homecoming for many.
READ MORE: ‘To see this will just bring you down to your knees’: one man’s return to Fort McMurray
Residents who wish to access mental health support should call the Mental Health Line at 1-877-303-2642 or Health Link at 811.
Couture said he expected a high turnout in the three neighbourhoods on Wednesday.
“We can probably see close to maybe 3,000 to 4,000 people that will be returning.”