The Fort Mac fire!

People, pets, homes, places of work.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2679911/fort-mcmurray-fire-interactive-map-nasa-data-shows-fire-invading-town/

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/alberta-wildfires-summed-up-in-10-terrifying-tweets/67304

The priorities for this wildfire are to protect homes, critical infrastructure, the safety of first responders, and to further limit wildfire spread.

The wildfire remains classified as out of control and is currently estimated at over 200,000 hectares. The cool and cloudy weather has allowed firefighters to make good progress today.The fire behaviour has been reduced and the wildfire experienced very little growth.Dozers continue to build guard around the north, east and south side of this wildfire. The progress is expected to continue with the cool weather and light winds forecasted for the next several days.

We have over 700 firefighters (366 wildland and over 350 municipal), 20 helicopters (4 heavy helicopters) and 15 airtankers working on this wildfire. Additional firefighters and various pieces of heavy equipment are expected to arrive over the next coming days.

A Province-wide Fire Ban is now in place for the Province of Alberta

All open fires, including campfires and charcoal briquettes, are prohibited. The use of incendiary targets is also banned.

Portable propane fire pits and gas or propane stoves and barbeques designed for cooking or heating are allowed.

The fire ban applies to Alberta’s Forest Protection Area and all counties, municipal districts and special areas, and provincial parks and recreation areas. The fire ban does not apply to cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands.