Re-Entry Plan Announced for Fort Chipewyan After Rocky River Fire Contained
Key Highlights :
The residents of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, have been given the news they have been waiting for: the evacuation order due to the nearby Rocky River Fire has been lifted. On June 19, Alberta Wildfire confirmed that the southern perimeter of the fire was “100 per cent” controlled and listed it as being held on its online map.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) announced a staggered re-entry plan for Fort Chipewyan, beginning with the restoration of essential services on June 22. Vulnerable residents will return on June 24. Detailed plans for re-entry are available on the RMWB website.
The Rocky River Fire began on May 28, 2023 and quickly grew to 60,568.36 hectares in size. The evacuation order for over 800 residents of the hamlet was issued by Alberta Wildfire on May 30.
The RMWB said the re-entry plan was developed in collaboration with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation and other agencies. Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation said last week that plans were in place for when the time came for residents to return.
The Rocky River Fire is one of 74 active wildfires in Alberta that have been aided by recent rain across the province. The RMWB said the re-entry plan will ensure the safety of returning residents and the protection of the community as a whole.
The joint announcement of the re-entry plan is a welcomed relief for residents of Fort Chipewyan, who have been waiting to return to their homes. The RMWB is encouraging residents to check its website for detailed information about the re-entry plan and to make sure they are ready to return home.
