City of Edmonton supports Fort McMurray wildfire response
May 14, 2024

The City of Edmonton has responded to a request for assistance to support a wildfire response for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Beginning May 14 at 9 p.m., the City of Edmonton will accept evacuees from the Fort McMurray communities of Abasand, Beacon Hill, Grayling Terrace and Prairie Creek. The reception centre will be located at Clareview Community Recreation Centre at 3804 139 Avenue.

The reception centre will provide all immediate needs for evacuees including food services, clothing, pet day care and health care. Red Cross will be onsite to coordinate hotel accommodations. Evacuees can bring their pets inside, and are encouraged to not leave animals in vehicles. 

“We know that Fort McMurray has experienced the devastation of wildfire before. This is a challenging time as some residents evacuate and others remain on alert,” said Interim City Manager, Eddie Robar. “We appreciate the physical, mental and emotional toll this is taking. Please know that the City of Edmonton’s doors are open, and a safe space and support is waiting for you.” 

Edmontonians are asked not to bring donations of any kind to the reception centre. Donations and volunteers are not needed at this time.

For more information:

Media contact:
Corporate Communications Manager 
Office of the Chief Communications Officer
587-988-5095

For the duration of the response, the Clareview Recreation Centre spaces used for the Edmonton Emergency Reception Centre will not be open to the media in order to respect the privacy of evacuees. Media are requested to muster at the on-site ESRT Trailer.