Hazards - Alberta Wildfires, Canada 2016

when did the fires ignite?

1st May 2016

Where was the wildfire first reported?

2 km SW of Fort McMurray

What made it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze?

Erratic fire spread and spotting, including jumping a 1 km wide river

What percentage of Fort McMurray was protected during the wildfire?

85%

Which areas in Fort McMurray were worst affected by the fire?

Absand, Kentennial Trailer Park, Waterways, and Beacon Hill

When was the fire announced to be under control?

4th July 2016

What climatic conditions contributed to the wildfire?

Lack of winter snowfall, early snowmelt, and warmer-than-average temperatures

What was one unique effect of the fire's intensity?

It created its own weather patterns, including lightning

How many hectares of land were burned during the wildfire?

400,000 hectares

How many people were forced to evacuate Fort McMurray?

90,000

What was the estimated economic cost of the wildfire to Alberta per day?

$70 million per day

What was the estimated total insurance payout for the wildfire?

Expected to reach $47 billion

What kind of aid was provided to evacuees by the Albertan Government?

$1250 per adult and $500 per dependent

What was the name of the benefit concert held for those affected by the wildfire?

Fire Aid

What was the cause of the fire's rapid spread in early May?

Temperatures exceeding 30°C and increased winds

How many homes were destroyed in Fort McMurray due to the wildfire?

2400 homes

What percentage of homes in Beacon Hill were destroyed?

70% of homes in Beacon Hill

What types of toxins were released into the atmosphere from the wildfire?

Mercury, lead, and organic compounds

What was the wildfire's impact on the oil sands industry?

⅓ of workers had to be evacuated, leading to a loss of ¼ of Canada's oil production

What was the political response to the Alberta Wildfires?

Increased debate about climate change and its impacts on future fire seasons

How did the Canadian government assist with the evacuation of Fort McMurray?

They oversaw evacuation programs and provided support to residents

What international assistance was declined by the Canadian Prime Minister during the wildfire?

Offers of help from countries like Australia, Israel, and Mexico

What long-term response involved residents returning to Fort McMurray?

Gradual re-entry for cleanup and rebuilding starting in June

How much money did the Canadian Red Cross receive in donations by 9th May?

Exceeding $54 million

What was a significant environmental risk after the wildfire?

The potential for dry and scorched peat soils to reignite

What innovative solution was used to assist firefighters with water supply?

Untreated water was deliberately introduced into the municipal water supply

What was a social impact of the wildfire on the local population?

Increased levels of anxiety leading to long-term health problems

What was the fire's effect on air quality far from Fort McMurray?

Air pollution reached as far as the USA and the Gulf Coast

What was one of the immediate responses by the Albertan Government after the wildfire ignited?

Declaring a state of emergency

How did the intensity of the wildfire affect local ecosystems?

It damaged the boreal forest ecosystem and led to habitat loss

What was the total estimated cost of rebuilding the entire community if necessary?

Estimates may reach $9 billion

What role did the Canadian Armed Forces play during the wildfire?

They assisted with firefighting efforts and evacuation

How many firefighters from South Africa were sent to assist during the wildfire?

301

What was a key factor in the decision-making for evacuation and emergency response?

Coordination between government officials and emergency services

What was the community response in Edmonton to support evacuees?

An online registry was created to help evacuees find accommodation

how big was the evacuation order?

extended to the entire city on the 3rd

why do fires lead to toxic waste?

huge quantities of debris had to be disposed of

how did they forecast the likely direction of the fire?

careful monitoring with ground and satellite data

how much did the Canadian Red Cross raise, by when?

$54 million by 9th May

what is the new legislation since the fire?

chimneys and stovepipes must be fitted with a spark arrestor and have at least 3 m between them and the nearest vegetation

what organisation was created for adaptation?

Office of the Fire Commissioner - responsible for fire rescue and public education

what did they build in response to the fire?

fire shelters in remote areas for trapped people

what steps have been taken for building since the fire?

Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada assess materials to determine whether they are suitable in fire-prone areas