The Current

'Couldn't have done any more': Fire chief gives tour of Fort McMurray fire damage

Several officials toured Fort McMurray neighbourhoods to survey the aftermath of the wildfire first hand. Wood Buffalo Fire Chief Darby Allen said 85 per cent of Fort McMurray is still intact. CBC's Briar Stewart was on that tour and shares her insight.

Inside Fort McMurray: Media gets glimpse at fire damage

9 years ago
Duration 1:15
'I do truly believe we couldn't have done any more,' said fire chief Darby Allen, who gave the tour.

Read story transcript

If there's any good news coming out of fire-stricken northern Alberta, it's that lower temperatures, a little rain and slower winds have slowed the progress of the catastrophic wildfires. 

But the bad news — the hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed over the last week — remains. 

Wood Buffalo Fire Chief Darby Allen says between 40 and 50 per cent of Fort McMurray could have been destroyed if firefighters hadn't been able to hold back the flames at key points.

On May 9, several provincial officials, including Premier Rachel Notley and Wood Buffalo mayor Melissa Blake toured Fort McMurray to take stock of the damage first hand. 

Despite a devastating wildfire that ravaged several neighbourhoods, Wood Buffalo Fire Chief Darby Allen said 85 per cent of Fort McMurray is still intact. (Jonathan Hayward/Canadian Press)

The CBC's Briar Stewart has been in northern Alberta covering the wildfire since it hit Fort McMurray and joined the tour to survey the damage. She joined guest host Laura Lynch to tell us more about what the tour revealed.

Edmonton reporters share stories of wildfire coverage

9 years ago
Duration 2:20
Edmonton-based reporters Briar Stewart and Marion Warnica describe the delicate balance of reporting on the fire while staying out of harm's way.

This segment was produced by The Current's Marc Apollonio.