Mandatory evacuation issued for camps north of Fort McMurray

There’s a new evacuation order for workers just north of Fort McMurray.

#ymmfire driving north by Suncor pic.twitter.com/IqgzdSyMSz

— Shawn Tetreault (@ShawnTetr) May 16, 2016

Individuals who have been working north of Fort McMurray have been put under a controlled precautionary evacuation. As of 2:30 in the afternoon Mountain Time (MT), a fire was making its way towards Tower Road and it was moving 30-40 metres per minute. The fire has now breached Tower Road.

Wildfire update, May 16, 5 p.m. - Workers north of #ymm under controlled precautionary evacuation #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/0bn9TjORt3

— RMWB (@RMWoodBuffalo) May 16, 2016

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said there are approximately 4,000 people being evacuated. Highway 63 northbound and Highway 881 remain closed.

Rachel Notley, Alberta's Premier said the fire should fade out and slow down around 8 or 9:00 p.m.

Just when things were looking up 😔 trying to stay positive is not easy right now. #rmwb #ymmfire #prayforfortmac #stressedout

— Pamela Morgan (@xxpamjxx) May 16, 2016

Workers are stopping all traffic coming northbound into town.

All camps north of Fort McMurray up to and incl Ruth Lake are being evacuated. #ymm #ymmfire https://t.co/mJE3hwzZSn

— RMWB (@RMWoodBuffalo) May 16, 2016

Earlier Monday, officials said air quality in the Fort McMurray area reached dangerous levels. It reached 38 when normally the air quality is measured between one and 10.

#ymmfire 881 & 63 pic.twitter.com/lNgJcD6eO1

— Shawn Tetreault (@ShawnTetr) May 16, 2016

We will update this story when more information becomes available.