Wildfire that ravaged Fort McMurray may last for months – Canadian officials
Source: Associated Press
Wildfire that ravaged Fort McMurray may last for months – Canadian officials
Associated Press in Lac La Biche, Alberta
Sunday 8 May 2016 16.17 BST
Canadian officials say they expect to fight the massive wildfire that has destroyed large parts of Alberta’s oil sands town for months.
It is feared the fire could double in size and reach a major oil sands mine, and even the neighboring province of Saskatchewan.
The Alberta government said the huge blaze in the province will cover more than 200,000 hectares (494,211 acres) by Sunday and continue to grow because of high temperatures, dry conditions and high winds. Chad Morrison of Alberta Wildfire said it was not uncommon to fight such an inferno in forested areas for months.
Morrison said the fire was burning away from communities this weekend. He expected cooler temperatures and possible rainfall on Sunday, but significant rainfall was needed. Environment Canada forecasted a 70% chance of showers late on Sunday and overnight.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/08/fort-mcmurray-wildfire-canada-firefighters-months
