May 4, 2016
Hey Fort Mac – We’re Thinking of You
By now, everyone will have seen the devastating footage of forest fires ripping across Fort McMurray. The good news is that, so far, no life-threatening injuries or fatalities have been reported. Considering that pretty much everyone in Canada has colleagues, friends, and loved ones working in the area that kind of feels like a miracle.
Our hearts and thoughts are with those fleeing the city, and with Albertans and Canadians watching and waiting across the country.
Keep Updated
The CBC has a live blog and a list of resources for evacuees.
Whether or not you have a Twitter account, you can follow the hashtags #ymmfire and #ymmhelps for updated information.
How To Help
60,000 people have been evacuated from Fort Mac, and fuel shortages mean many are still stuck on the freeway or camping on the outskirts of the city.
Please donate if you can – text REDCROSS to 30333 to give $5 to Red Cross Alberta or donate online.
You can offer help (places to stay, pet care, etc.) through the Fort McMurray Evacuee Open Source Helppage, the Ft. McMurray Disaster Relief Page, or on Twitter.
Confirm You Are Safe
The members of our team in the Fort McMurray office have thankfully been confirmed safe (and some of them are staying at LN founder Lance Norman’s home).
Evacuated residents are asked to please email wildfire@rmwb.ca with your name, location and confirmation of safety.
The city of Edmonton has opened a reception centre for evacuees who need accommodation, and Facebook/Twitter are filling up with offers as more and more Canadians step up to help.
LN’s Fort McMurray crew eating breakfast at Lance’s house after their evacuation.