Rain keeps Alberta blaze in check

But Fort Nelson in northeast B.C. reports structural damage’ from fire

- BOB WEBER

An Alberta Wildfire crew member returns from fighting wildfires near Fort McMurray on Thursday. Wet weather prevented the 200-squarekilometre blaze from growing overnight.

FORT MCMURRAY, ALTA. The oilsands hub city of Fort McMurray, Alta., got a watery reprieve from a menacing wildfire Thursday as steady rain fell and water cannons delivered a soaking blast to tinder-dry ditches.

Alberta Wildfire information officer Christie Tucker said the blaze remained out of control - the only such designated fire in the province -but it did not grow overnight and remained at about 200 square kilometres in size.

"We're seeing rain and cooler temperatures in much of the province this week, but unfortunately the northern part of the province is expected to stay drier and warmer," Tucker told a news conference in Edmonton.