FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta (AP) — A wildfire that has forced thousands of people out of their homes in Canada’s oil sands hub city of Fort McMurray was held in place Thursday, as rain and cooler temperatures swept the area.
Alberta provincial wildfire information officer Christie Tucker said the blaze remained out of control — the only such designated fire in the province — but it did not grow overnight and remained at 200 square kilometers (77 square miles) in size.
“We’re seeing rain and cooler temperatures in much of the province this week, but unfortunately the northern part of the province is expected to stay drier and warmer,” Tucker told a news conference in the provincial capital of Edmonton.
The blaze remained just under 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the southwest outskirts of the community and less than five kilometers (3 miles) from the main highway south.
Murder charge against Chad Daybell will stand despite wrong date of child's death, judge says
Fiji pins growth hopes on Chinese tourists, plans direct flights from HK
Experts say coral reef bleaching near record level globally because of 'crazy' ocean heat
Xi Replies to Letter from Chinese Paratroopers
Members of Chinese Olympic delegation arrive in Tokyo
China's sees 11.81 mln inbound, outbound trips during Golden Week
Poland puts judge who defected to Belarus on wanted list, opening way to international warrant
Zhangjiakou is ready for the 2022 Winter Olympics