The wildfire that has devastated Fort McMurray is on a scale that is hard to comprehend. More than 80,000 people were evacuated Tuesday just hours before a catastrophic wildfire destroyed more than 1,600 houses and businesses. The fire emptied a population bigger than the City of St. Albert; the largest evacuation in Alberta history. The fire continues to burn. By Friday the fire had consumed more than 100,000 hectares, or more than 1,000 square kilometres. It grew almost 10 times in size from two days earlier.
There are many reports of harrowing escapes, including school children bused to safety just an hour before fire engulfed their school. Some people literally watched their homes catch fire as they fled their neighbourhoods. Others had to evacuate a second time when the wind-driven fire shifted, and to their horror, threatened them again. Many had horrifying escapes with fire on both sides of the road and red-hot embers bouncing off the hoods of their vehicles. Roads were clogged with evacuees, many who had no time to fill their tanks with gas, or ran out of gas in gridlock as thousands fled the city on limited escape routes.
On Friday a convoy of thousands of people, who fled north to temporary safety, were being guided through their burnt-out city en route to evacuation centres being prepared for them in the Edmonton capital region. As of press time St. Albert was on standby to find out if it would be one of those centres.
Emergency responders have been toiling long hours to control the fire. Some learned their own homes were destroyed while they fought to save others. This has been a cruel test of resources, and it is bitterly ironic that it occurred during national Emergency Preparedness Week. Resources are stretched to the limit as an early dry spring elevated fire conditions across western Canada. Even B.C., which normally shares its fire resources, said it needs its firefighting crews for 48 of its own fires.
The most immediate action needed is to fight the fire, keep people safe and to take care of the needs of its 80,000 evacuees. These are tall orders. In St. Albert the response has been immediate and heartwarming. Within 30 minutes of getting the call, local firefighters were on their way to Fort McMurray. A number of police officers and other emergency responders have been dispatched to Fort McMurray to help. In St. Albert individuals and businesses have rallied to offer free meals and services. Churches, teams and schools are collecting money for Canadian Red Cross or hosting fundraising events. Even children are selling lemonade to raise funds. The St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce is rallying its businesses to support the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Relief Fund that has been dedicated to Fort McMurray businesses.
This inspiring show of support for Fort McMurray is being replicated across the province and country, with benefit concerts being planned as far away as Newfoundland.
It is not known when the fire will be brought under control, but it will take years and billions of dollars to restore the northern city. Premier Rachel Notley has reassured evacuees they will be taken care of. She announced $100 million Friday to be directed to evacuees to the tune of $1,250 for each adult and $500 for each child. Earlier the province provided $2 million to the Red Cross to kick start operations and announced it will match donations by Albertans. Notley has also requested federal aid. On Thursday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would also match public donations to Red Cross for Fort McMurray. More than $11 million has already been donated. It’s a start, but this epic disaster will require much more. If you have not done so, please donate to help Fort McMurray fire victims through the Canadian Red Cross.
