Fort McMurray, Alberta – Wood Buffalo RCMP are still on scene this morning at the site of a fire that broke out last night at Parson’s Creek Landing in the Timberlea area of Fort McMurray. Police were called to the structure fire at around 11:30 pm on February 5, 2012, to assist fire crews with scene containment as well as evacuations. Emergency Social Services for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo were activated, and a number of other agencies such as Utility Companies, the SPCA and Victim Services, were on scene to assist. Thus far there have been no reports of casualties or injuries as a result of the fire. Although no dollar value has yet been set, the level of property damage is considered to be significant.

The fire appears to have been held to the North wing of Parson’s Creek Landing apartment complex, however residents from all three wings of the complex were evacuated as well as those residing in the neighbouring building; Laird’s Landing. Residents of Laird’s Landing have since been allowed to return to their homes. The evacuation will likely remain in effect for the next 24-48 hours as fire investigators and police continue to investigate and ensure the area is safe for re-entry. Evacuees have been directed to the temporary shelter set-up at Ecole McTavish School. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

If you have information about this, or any other crime(s), please call the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788-4000, or if you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca] for instructions on how to do).  You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.