Tuesday, May 24, 2016

South African Firefighters to Help in Alberta
2016-05-24 22:01

Some of the Working on Fire members who have returned to South Africa. (Adam Wakefield, News24)

Edmonton - Officials say about 1 000 additional fire crews from across Canada, South Africa and the United States will be joining the fight this week against a massive wildfire near Fort McMurray.

Alberta wildlife official Chad Morrison said on Tuesday the blaze continues to move northeast away from communities and oil sands facilities in northern Alberta.

He says cooler temperatures have aided the fire fight.

The fire has grown to about 5 230 square kilometres, with 25 square kilometres spreading into Saskatchewan. That includes areas already burned and currently burning.

Work camps that were evacuated are being inspected for re-opening, and oil sands companies are looking at when they can resume operations.

A phased re-entry for about 80 000 evacuated Fort McMurray residents is still set to begin on June 1, if conditions are safe.

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