Canada's politicians and scientists both cautioned that individual fires cannot specifically be linked to climate change, but agree that it is part of a general trend of more intense wildfires. Debate occurred as to whether it was "insensitive" to discuss it during the crisis, or whether the crisis made it "more important" to talk about a correlation between human-influenced climate change and wildfires. Ĭlimate change was also cited as a potential contributor to the start and spread of the fire. Combined with the high temperatures, this created a " perfect storm" of conditions for an explosive wildfire, and significantly contributed to the fire's rapid growth. A natural El Niño cycle also led to a dry fall and winter season along with a warm spring, leaving a paltry snowpack, which melted quickly. The situation intensified on May 4 when temperatures reached 31.9 ☌ (89 ☏) and winds gusted to 72 km/h (45 mph). On May 3, the temperature climbed to 32.8 ☌ (91 ☏), accompanied by relative humidity as low as 12%. During the start of the fire, an unusually hot, dry air mass was in place over Northern Alberta, which brought record-setting temperatures to Fort McMurray. An official cause of the fire has not been determined to date, but it was suspected to be human caused. First responders arrived 45 minutes later. The fire was first spotted by a helicopter forestry crew in a remote area 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Fort McMurray on and they reported it. It is suspected to have been caused by humans in a remote area 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Fort McMurray, but no official cause has been determined to date. It continued to smoulder, and was fully extinguished on August 2, 2017. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares (1,500,000 acres) before it was declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. With an estimated damage cost of C$9.9 billion, it was the costliest disaster in Canadian history. The fire continued to spread across northern Alberta and into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. Another 2,000 residents in three communities were displaced after their homes were declared unsafe for reoccupation due to contamination. Sweeping through Fort McMurray, the wildfire destroyed approximately 2,400 homes and buildings. Aid for evacuees was provided by various governments and via donations through the Canadian Red Cross and other local and national charitable organizations. Firefighters were assisted by personnel from both the Canadian Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as other Canadian provincial agencies, to fight the wildfire. On May 3, it swept through the community, forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta's history, with upwards of 88,000 people forced from their homes. On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. The wildfire burning near Fort McMurray on May 1, 2016
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