Although exactly what caused the wildfire that spread throughout Fort McMurray, in Alberta, Canada, remains uncertain, there is no doubting the impact of the disaster. The fire remains active and by the time it has finally been extinguished, it is likely to be the country’s most costly disaster ever.
When it was first noted by a helicopter carrying wildfire patrol crew, the fire was small and confined to the area close to Horse River – 6 miles away from Fort McMurray. Fire workers were tackling the blaze less than an hour from this first sighting, which was the ninth such fire to be recorded there in 2016. A warning that this was a little unusual came when the wildfire had expanded from 2 hectares to 60 within two hours, despite the efforts of firemen. Those oil industry workers residing in trailer homes nearby were subsequently removed from these homes on a temporary basis, as a precaution.
They moved back that night, but crucially the wind shifted direction the next morning and saw the wildfire quickly head towards Fort McMurray – crossing the Athabasca River. By the 3rd of May, two days after the wildfire started, 12 neighbourhoods were placed under mandatory evacuation orders. Managing this process effectively was vital to ensuring the safety of residents, and thankfully no deaths or injuries happened as a consequence of the actual fire. However the damage to property was extensive, with Fort McMurray reporting 1,600 buildings having been destroyed, plus a further 12 in Anzac, and an estimated bill of $9 million for insurance companies (Insert 2 here).
With many of the buildings that were damaged by the wildfire being homes, immediate aid was essential, and both national and international campaigns rallying to the cause. Benefit concerts were organised in Canada, with one taking place in Toronto in early June and a second Fire Aid benefit planned for the end of that month. A great deal of resources were needed in the battle against the fire, with 44 items of heavy equipment, 19 helicopters, 27 air tankers and 88 fire engines being deployed – while countries such as the United States and South Africa supplied emergency fire fighters. Overall, around 500 fire fighters have been used in Fort McMurray, along with a further 66 in Anzac.
The Government of Alberta has responded to the main Red Cross appeal by stating that it will match the total donations while numerous individuals and companies are also helping to raise money. These include TEC Edmonton, Better than Fred’s and Gambling Insider Canada, with the latter pledging $1 for every new person that joins an online casino.
This has been a terrible tragedy for those affected by the wildfire, but it has shown us the way that companies and individuals can team up to help people in need and just how important each donation is to the benefit fund.
