This release was issued under a previous government.
567 homes and 12 apartment complexes that have not been destroyed by fire are unsafe for habitation at this time.
“Despite this unwelcome news, we remain on track for voluntary, phased re-entry of the vast majority of Fort McMurray and the surrounding communities. The resilience and determination of the people of Fort McMurray continues to impress me every single day. I know that even in the face of this challenging and frustrating news, that they will remain strong, resilient, and together.”
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Alberta Environment and Parks have each conducted air, soil and ash testing of the fire-damaged areas. These tests confirmed the presence of chemicals which may present a risk if exposure to residents is not avoided or minimized.
A non-toxic tackifier is being applied to debris in neighbourhoods destroyed by fire. Tackifiers are used in landfills for dust control and prevent ash and other contaminants from becoming airborne. This spray-on product will help minimize exposure to harmful substances through the air or skin contact, but will not eliminate them. Tackifier has no known harmful health effects and can be washed off easily.
Dr. Karen Grimsrud, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, travelled to Fort McMurray on May 28 and has outlined the following re-entry provisions based on the air, soil and ash testing results:
Abasand, Waterways, and Beacon Hill
- As a direct result of fire damage to neighbouring premises, homes in these neighbourhoods cannot be permanently occupied until debris has been removed by the municipality.
- Where homes have been destroyed, the municipality will arrange for residents to view their property safely. More details will be available on re-entry.
- For homes that have been deemed structurally sound by the municipality, residents may have time-limited access on a case by case basis to retrieve personal belongings if they are accompanied by the municipality and are supplied with personal protective equipment as outlined by Alberta Health Services.
- Some individual homes might be structurally sound in these neighbourhoods, but the neighbourhoods as a whole are not. There are significant concerns about physical safety and potential exposure to chemical compounds.
Other Neighborhoods (including Rural Service Area)
- For homes deemed structurally intact, residents may return and re-enter using advice provided in the Alberta Health Services “Returning to your Home” document.
- For homes facing areas where structures have been destroyed by fire, returning residents will be identified by the municipality and accompanied by the municipality to assess risks. If their homes are found to be safe, residents should follow the advice provided in Alberta Health Services “Returning to your Home” document
- For homes that have been destroyed, the municipality may arrange for residents to view their property safely.
- As debris is removed, the municipality will notify the neighbourhood about when removal will occur, so residents may leave the area or use personal protective equipment as outlined by Alberta Health Services.