Relatives tell Brian Jean bad news about Fort McMurray home

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean says relatives have told him his home in Fort McMurray has likely gone up in flames.

Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin and the official Opposition leader, left Edmonton Tuesday afternoon for his hometown. When Jean spoke to CBC News Tuesday evening, he was still on the highway.

• Fort McMurray wildfire evacuees flee city in chaos
• Albertans show outpouring of help for Fort McMurray evacuees
• Fort McMurray evacuated as wildfire destroys homes, threatens downtown
• Help coming to fight 'nasty, ugly fire' in Fort McMurray

He said family members who live close to properties where he owns two homesin the Waterways neighbourhood told him the bad news.

"I was told my property, which held a small house on it, only a block away from the house that I've had for 12 years, was on fire," Jean said. "And that it appeared from my family member that my house was going to be next, or very close to that, and that was about two and a half hours ago.

Jean said he has spoken with both Premier Rachel Notley and federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. Both assured him that all resources will be deployed to fight the Fort McMurray fire and that other jurisdictions have been asked to help.

Despite his personal loss, Jean says his job right now is to reassure constituents and make sure the region gets the help it needs from each level of government.