Deadline looming for Fort McMurray residents wanting to sift through rubble

EDMONTON – Fort McMurray residents wanting to sift through the ashes of their burned homes are being reminded to make an appointment before the end of the weekend.

The deadline to request a ‘site sifting appointment’ is Sunday.

Homeowners wanting to make an appointment can do so by calling the RMWB’s 24-hour PULSE line at (780)-743-7000. The opportunity to sift through the ashes is being made available to homeowners whose houses were completely destroyed by the fire. It’s hoped they may be able to recover items like jewelry or small heirlooms.

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READ MORE: ‘I didn’t know what to expect’: Fort McMurray residents get first look at homes in restricted areas

Homeowners will be allowed to sift through what’s left of their homes until July 1, 2016.

Residents who can’t attend in person can send someone else in their place as long as that person has a letter of permission and a copy of the homeowner’s proof of identification. Those items must be shown at the security checkpoint before entering the restricted area.

All persons attending must provide photo ID at the security checkpoint.

As of June 16, more than 400 siftings have been completed by Team Rubicon; another 330 others have already been scheduled.

There are an estimated 1,800 homes eligible for sifting.