Statement from Minister Goodale on Wildfire Situation in Fort McMurray

OTTAWA, May 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement about the wildfire situation in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

"I am watching the wildfire situation in Fort McMurray with great concern, and my thoughts go out to all of the residents being evacuated from their homes.

The situation is fluid and evolving rapidly. The Government of Canada, through the Government Operations Centre, including the Department of Defence, is monitoring the situation carefully. I have spoken with my provincial counterpart, Minister Larivee, to say that we are standing by to provide assistance to Alberta. I have also been in touch with MP David Yurdiga, MLA Brian Jean, and Métis Nation of Alberta President Audrey Poitras.

I strongly encourage impacted residents of Fort McMurray to follow the directions of their municipal law enforcement and first responders. If you are being ordered to evacuate, please do so for your own safety.

On behalf of all Canadians, we are grateful to all of the first responders working together to keep Albertans safe in this very difficult time."

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, [phone]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, [phone]