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LATEST UPDATE — MAY 2, 5:17AM — Listen to Fort McMurray Mayor Melissa Blake speak with MyMcMurray.com about the incredible community response and support:

Also, Tracy Holland tweeted this gorgeous photo taken at a devastating time in Fort McMurray. Stay safe out there, neighbours. ❤

The fire and smoke bring such an eerie glow over YMM View from Waterways. Thanks to all who keep us safe #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/IENnQ3v9WX — Tracy Holland (@THollandPhoto) May 2, 2016

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UPDATE — MAY 2, 12:40PM — Melissa Blake; the Mayor of Fort McMurray has declared a state of local emergency for the Gregoire neighbourhood.

Centennial Trailer Park and Prairie Creek have undergone mandatory evacuation. As of now, Gregoire evacuation is voluntary, but recommended. The local evacuation center is located at MacDonald Island Park.

Syncrude released a statement to employees in the evacuated area informing them that they are not expected to attend work on Monday. Shell Albian followed suit shortly after with the same message. Both want employees to inform their supervisors. mix1037fm.com

The Fort McMurray Public Schools District has decided to close Greely Road School and the Fort McMurray Islamic School for today, Monday, May 2nd. Unfortunately, during the night hours, it is not possible for water bombers and firefighters to fight the nearby wildfires.

// END UPDATE

The forest fires surrounding Fort McMurray have become an immediate danger to those living in and around the area, mainly that of Gregoire.

Firefighters are working around the clock to get the fires under control. One of the fires in question is said to be under control.

Out of control #wildfire, SW of #FortMcMurray, If you live in Gregoire, prepare to evacuate on short notice. #ABfire pic.twitter.com/n1VLKX1GI9 — Matt Johnson (@StormFXChasing) May 2, 2016

There are two separate forest fires in and around the area as of right now, one of which is merely 4 km’s away. Firefighters are doing all that they can to get the wildfires under control, using whatever they have available to them, including waterbombers.

According to Jody Butz:

One of the fires is outside the urban area but the other is actually within city limits. asst. deputy chief of ops for regional emergency services

Forest fires rarely come this close to town. One of the forest fires in question is a mere 4 kilometers away from Gregoire, and residents are being asked to get ready for evacuation at any moment.

https://twitter.com/stephjellett/status/726958239435251712

You are being asked to stay clear from any of the forest fires. Crews don’t need anything else to focus on except for these dangerous fires.

Please feel free to share your photos or videos of the fires with our Facebook page followers if you have any.

Stay safe out there, Fort McMurrians & Northern-Albertans.

It’s going to be one heck of a dreadful year for forest fires in western Canada.