Four years after its flames guttered out, the record-breaking Fort McMurray wildfire continues to astound — this time with its lasting impact on an extensive river system. Fort McMurray lost 2,400 buildings, and 88,000 people were forced from their homes. 'A very, very large watershed'For seven months, the team sampled and tested the Athabasca and several tributaries upstream of Fort McMurray. That plume that extended for a very long distance, hugging the riverbank, is likely what was making its way into the water treatment plant in Fort McMurray." Climate and forest scientists have long suggested that huge fires such as the one dubbed "the Beast" in Fort McMurray are going to become more common as warmer temperatures dry forests out and extend the burning season.

Source: CBC News July 10, 2020 17:26 UTC