Fort McMurray fire evacuation centres slowing down - Action News
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Edmonton

Fort McMurray fire evacuation centres slowing down

Many of the 94,000 people forced out of their homes by the fire in Fort McMurray are starting to find longer term places to stay, slowing down demand at government appointed evacuation and reception centres. Meanwhile, universities are preparing to house evacuees for the long haul.

Many evacuees are staying with friends and family, some locations prepare 'for the long haul'

An evacuee from the Fort McMurray wildfires uses a cellphone at an evacuation centre in Lac la Biche, May 7. (Chris Wattie/Reuters)

Many of the94,000 people forced out of their homes by the fire in Fort McMurray are starting to find longer term places to stay, slowing down demand at government appointed evacuation and reception centres.

Meanwhile universities are preparing to house evacuees for the long haul.

There are 13 official locations that don't include the private efforts of several towns, companies, and families.

  • 4,700 registered in Lac La Biche. About230people sleepin cots in the Bold Centre.
  • 1,400registered at University of Calgary
  • 800 registered at Northlands Centre, about 400 people spending the night
  • 500 people registered at St. Paul Centennial recreation centre, but no one stayingovernight
  • 475 registered at Mount Royal University
  • 344 people stayingat Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
  • 250-300 people get meals and services at the Athabasca Agriplex, no overnight
  • 250 in Drayton Valley accessing services, not staying overnight
  • 200 people estimated staying with friends/family in Fort Chipewyan
  • 138 registered at Smoky Lake complex, but 20-25use services
  • 120 staying atAmbrose University College
  • 30 people stay overnight at Beaver Lake Cree Nation Lodge
  • Grassland Community Hall closed for overnight stays.

Additionally,1,000 people are staying at the University of Alberta and229 roomsatMacEwanUniversity are fullwith about 680 people registered.

The Calgary Emergency Operations Centre says there were no new registrants on Wednesday.