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Fort McMurray residents to start returning home Wednesday

Xinhua, June 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

The first group of displaced residents of Fort McMurray city of Alberta province in Canada are expected to return home Wednesday 28 days after a wildfire forced more than 90,000 people to flee their houses and businesses.

Almost two weeks ago, the provincial government outlined five conditions for the safe return of residents to Fort McMurray and other northern communities that were evacuated due to wildfire.

"I am pleased to report today that these conditions have been met, and voluntary based re-entry will begin June 1 as planned, with the exception of the neighbourhoods of Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways," Premier of Alberta province Rachel Notley told a press conference here Tuesday.

The five conditions are: wildfire is no longer an imminent threat to the community; critical infrastructure is repaired to provide basic service; essential services, such as fire, EMS, police and health care, are restored to a basic level; hazardous areas are secure; and local government is re-established.

Conditions will be assessed each day and, if the situation changes, the re-entry schedule may be adjusted, Notley said.

She also said despite the significant work that has been done, Fort McMurray is not the city that residents left behind a month ago, the premier said.

"To residents choosing to return this week, I ask you to not go home without a plan. "Bring food, water and any other supplies needed for the next two weeks," added the premier.

The police will have 300 officers on patrol Fort McMurray to ensure things go as planned. Highway 63, which links the city to the rest of Alberta, will be opened to traffic at 8 a.m. local time Wednesday.

However, local officials say it could take at least three months to clear the debris and some residents are now concerned the re-entry plan is being rushed, given the new health concerns.

Police say their focus will shift to traffic control as residents move back towards the city and they will be making sure people get to where they need to be safely. Enditem