Countess of Wessex tours neighbourhood devastated by Fort McMurray wildfire

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has seen first-hand the destruction caused by last month’s wildfire in Fort McMurray.

Prince Edward’s wife was greeted upon her arrival at the city’s airport by Gov. Gen. David Johnston and Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake.

They then boarded a bus for a tour through the city and were given a commentary about the fire’s progress by Fire Chief Darby Allen.

READ MORE: ‘I want us to recognize the true heroes’: Fire chief shares stories of heroism from Fort McMurray

At the destroyed neighbourhood of Beacon Hill, Sophie got off the bus and held onto a fence with her fingers while gazing at the devastation.

The group later stopped at a sports complex downtown for a reception where people were waiting to greet the countess.

Sophie signed a Canadian flag that was handed to her by a woman who said she saved it from her house, which was completely burned by the fire.

Johnston presented commendations for outstanding service to those involved in emergency relief efforts while Sophie greeted Red Cross volunteers, RCMP officers and firefighters.

Watch below: Countess of Wessex tours fire-ravaged Fort McMurray

From there, the Governor General and Sophie headed to the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, southeast of the city. Evacuees were able to stop for food, water and gas there when they fled the fire.

The community was presented with a commendation for their help that day.

Residents of the First Nation performed a traditional song and dance for the visitors. Elder Julie Cheecham presented Johnston with a moose hide, a fur-trimmed pair of mittens and Sophie with a beaded pair of moose hide slippers.

IN PHOTOS: Fort McMurray residents return home nearly 1 month after wildfire

Residents had to flee their homes when flames whipped by high winds raced through the city May 3. About 2,400 houses and other buildings — about 10 per cent of the city — were destroyed in the blaze.

It’s not the first time royals have visited a fire-ravaged Alberta town. Five years ago, newlyweds Prince William and Kate lifted spirits when they visited Slave Lake, Alta., where a wildfire destroyed one-third of the community.

READ MORE: Will and Kate tour fire-ravaged Slave Lake

Friday was the fourth and last day of the couple’s visit to Canada. They arrived in Toronto on Tuesday and made a quick visit to Winnipeg before heading to Saskatchewan.

Sophie dedicated a park in Edmonton on Friday before she flew to Fort McMurray, while Edward handed out the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, named after his father, to young people in Calgary.

The royal couple’s visit to Canada was to conclude with a gala reception at the National Music Centre in Calgary.