Fort McMurray evacuees in Calgary prepare for the trip home
CBC News | Posted: May 31, 2016 12:41 PM | Last Updated: May 31, 2016
Some plan on taking their time, while others are eager to return
Some temporary Calgarians are planning to head home to Fort McMurray, as some areas are opened up in the fire-ravaged city. However, not everyone is in a hurry.
- Hundreds of undamaged Fort McMurray homes declared unsafe due to toxic ash
- Red Cross to help pay for Fort McMurray residents to return home
Funke Banjoko and her 19 year old daughter Kg are stocking up on supplies for the trip home after staying at the University of Calgary. They can return on Thursday, but have decided to wait at least a week.
"I just want to know if the house itself, the inside, if it's habitable. Water and supplies, like gas, to have (a) grocery store," said Funke.
'Excited and anxious'
It's the opposite for Lourdes Tolentino, another evacuee who took shelter at the U of C. She's also allowed back in on Thursday but is leaving a day early in order to avoid as much traffic as she can.
"Excited and anxious at the same time because we don't know what to see, what to expect. And the air quality, we are not so sure about that. We are going to be bringing in food, water and everything," she said.
On Monday, Premier Rachel Notley announced that 567 homes not damaged by fire were deemed unsafe after extensive environmental testing. Experts confirmed toxic chemicals could pose a health risk.
That means roughly 2,000 people will have their return home delayed. Residents of those homes will be escorted in and allowed to gather their belongings.
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