Fort McMurray wildfire under control thanks to firefighting efforts, rain

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – A massive wildfire that destroyed parts of Fort McMurray two months ago is under control.

The Alberta government says the fire was given the new classification early Monday.

Wildfire information officer Laura Stewart says firefighters have made great progress and rain over the last few weeks has helped.

The size of the fire is just under 5,900 square kilometres.

The blaze spread into the oilsands capital on May 3 and forcedmore than 80,000 people from their homes.

It destroyed about 2,400 homes and other buildings — roughly one-tenth of the city.

The evacuation order was lifted a month ago and people started returning to the community.

Stewart says firefighters will continue to patrol the area and put out any hot spots.

“Given the size and scope of the wildfire, they’ll definitely be patrolling it for the extended future,” she said.