The Alberta government has issued information for evacuees who left their vehicles behind during the Fort McMurray evacuation.
According to the province, hundreds of vehicles were left along Highway 63 within the city, as well as to the north and south of the community. Vehicles were also left along Highway 881.
A process for residents to retrieve their abandoned vehicles has now been put together.
In addition, vehicles that were left legally parked, and did not impede emergency responders have not been towed, and cannot be retrieved at this time.
Vehicles abandoned on Highway 63 south of the Highway 63/881 junction may be retrieved by calling Highway 63 Towing & Recovery at 1-877-671-2717.
Vehicles are being stored at the Wandering River yard, roughly 230 kilometres north of Edmonton.
Vehicles abandoned on Highway 881 and on Highway 63 north of the Highway 63/881 junction may be retrieved by calling 310-4455.
This includes vehicles abandoned on Highway 63 with Fort McMurray urban limits and vehicles abandoned north of Fort McMurray.
In order to claim vehicles, owners will need to provide their documentation which matches the vehicle registration, and will be escorted into the city in small groups on a first come first served basis by the RCMP. There will be no opportunities for detours or home inspections.
Fuel to reach the nearest gas station will be provided, and costs for towing, storage and some fuel to reach the nearest station will be covered by the provincial government.
*UPDATE*
- To ensure safety, Alberta Transportation is suspending abandoned vehicle retrieval for individuals with vehicles on Highway 881 or on Highway 63 north of the Highway 63/881 junction due to heavy wildfire smoke.
- Albertans who want to retrieve their vehicles from this area are asked to check our website (emergency.alberta.ca) for updates on when conditions improve and it will be safe to travel to your vehicle.
