Out-of-control wildfire remains 70 km away from Fort McMurray: Alberta Wildfire
Posted July 7, 2024 12:21 pm.
Last Updated July 7, 2024 12:22 pm.
The wildfire 70 kilometres northeast of Fort McMurray remains out of control, Alberta Wildfire says, but there has been “minimal fire behavior” in the last 24 hours.
The blaze is one of several caused by lightning within the Cattail Lake Complex, which has interrupted oilsands production in the area.
Night operations and cooler temperatures throughout the day and into the evening Saturday has helped wildland firefighting crews.
Alberta Wildfire says there was “no significant growth towards any infrastructure.” The fire is about 12,200 hectares in size.
“Crews will continue to work on reinforcing the south and west corners of this wildfire,” Aberta Wildfire said Sunday. “As part of the daily operations, we will also continue to work on dozer guards and bucketing operations.”
Some 201 personnel, 20 helicopters and 36 heavy equipment groups are currently working on the Cattail Lake Complex.
Suncor Energy says some production has been temporarily curtailed after evacuating all non-essential workers from its nearby Firebag oilsands site.
