Fort McMurray obliterated

[Dizzy1]

It's amazing to see an entire country come together to help those in need. No matter how far apart we are, we're all Canadians and we will always have each others backs.

The help and support that has been pouring in is unbelievable. To all the people who have donated and given support, I wish you could see and experience the gratitude these people have for you - it is simply amazing

One of many buses filled with supplies that have been flown in ...

[Dizzy1]

This is not my photo but was sent to me on FB from one of our evacuation flights ...



... and that folks, is todays feel good moment

[pepsilover]

The military is finally going in to help some people get 'south'

http://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/event/mas ... spartandhp

<snip> FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — A massive convoy is underway to move thousands of evacuees who are stranded at oilfield camps north of fire-ravaged Fort McMurray.

The RCMP and military are overseeing the procession of an estimated 1,500 vehicles.

Sgt. John Spaans, an RCMP spokesman, says 50 vehicles at a time are being allowed to go through Fort McMurray on Highway 63.

The first of the groups got underway at 6 a.m. local time, four days after a nearby wildfire triggered Fort McMurray's evacuation. The RCMP will be marshalling the convoy with cars at the front and rear. Overhead air monitoring will be provided by the RCMP. <snip>

Much more at LINK

[pepsilover]

Fire in northern BC has crossed the border into Alberta.

http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-st ... htm#165090

<snip> UPDATE: 9:40 p.m.

A wildfire burning in northeast British Columbia has crossed over into Alberta, but B.C. crews are fighting the blaze on both sides of the border.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says the Siphon Creek blaze burning northeast of Fort St. John jumped the border into Alberta late Thursday afternoon.

Fire information officer Emily Epp says B.C. is taking responsibility for the blaze to ease the burden of Alberta firefighters who are battling catastrophic fires around Fort McMurray.

She says she doesn't have an immediate estimate of how far the fire has travelled into Alberta, but she expects to have more information by Friday morning.

Epp says the fire was last mapped at 90 square kilometres, but she expects that it has grown in size and more than 70 firefighters and 17 pieces of heavy equipment are working on the blaze.

Meantime two other fires about 50 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John combined to form a single powerful blaze, forcing evacuations on Thursday.

The wildfire service says the two fires, previously identified as the Beatton Airport Road fire and the Stoddart Road fire, have joined.

The service says the fire now known simply as the Beatton Airport Road fire covers about 100 square kilometres, due to aggressive fire behaviour.

The blaze forced the closure of the Highway 97 about 45 kilometres north of Fort St. John in both directions on Thursday evening.
<snip>

more at LINK

[Dizzy1]

Another fantastic picture from FB ...

[The Green Barbarian]

what airline are they flying on? WestJet? Want to make sure whoever is helping out gets some advertising. :)

[Poindexter]

This is not my photo but was sent to me on FB from one of our evacuation flights ...



... and that folks, is todays feel good moment

"C'mon guys, open the window so I can stick my head out."

[Dizzy1]

what airline are they flying on? WestJet? Want to make sure whoever is helping out gets some advertising. :)

The first pic looks to be a WestJet Encore Dash 8 Q400 and the second looks to be a Canadian North, Air North or Enerjet B737 (edited to add that it was Canadian North).

Many carriers are helping out, WestJet, Air Canada, Canadian North, Flair Air, North Cariboo and Air North have all been sending in what they can nonstop for the evacuation and they all deserve praise and kudos for their efforts.

The oil companies deserve praise for opening their camps and organizing lodging and food for the evacuees.

All the staff at the camps deserve praise for their nonstop work preparing food and lodging.

Busing companies such as Golden Arrow, First, Diversified and Wood Buffalo Transit deserve praise for providing non-stop busing getting people out of Fort McMurray, around the camps and to the aerodromes.

The list goes on and on and on.

[The Green Barbarian]

http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-new ... e-evacuees

Even Syrians are helping out! :)

[pepsilover]

So sad and sorry to report this, but it's the first death from somebody fleeing the fires. Young too.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/teen-kille ... -1.2890666

<snip> CTVNews.ca Staff
Published Friday, May 6, 2016 9:03AM EDT



The daughter of a Fort McMurray area deputy fire chief has been identified as one of the victims who died in a fiery highway crash Wednesday as she was trying to flee the fires.

Emily Ryan, 15, died when the SUV she was riding in on Highway 881 heading out of town crashed into a tractor trailer Wednesday afternoon.

The roads were crowded at the time with Fort McMurray residents rushing out of the city to escape the flames.
<snip>

more at link

[Frisk]

Most recent update puts the size at 100,000 hectares.

[The Green Barbarian]

So sad and sorry to report this, but it's the first death from somebody fleeing the fires. Young too.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/teen-kille ... -1.2890666

<snip> CTVNews.ca Staff
Published Friday, May 6, 2016 9:03AM EDT



The daughter of a Fort McMurray area deputy fire chief has been identified as one of the victims who died in a fiery highway crash Wednesday as she was trying to flee the fires.

Emily Ryan, 15, died when the SUV she was riding in on Highway 881 heading out of town crashed into a tractor trailer Wednesday afternoon.

The roads were crowded at the time with Fort McMurray residents rushing out of the city to escape the flames.
<snip>

more at link

yes this is very sad. The only consolation I can find is that after watching the videos taken by people fleeing, it could have been a lot lot worse. I have to commend the people of Fort McMurray for not panicking for the most part and leaving in an orderly fashion, so that everyone could get out. It could just as easily been a complete panic riot with roads choked and unpassable as everyone just tried to pass one another. I know I would have needed diapers if I had been sitting on the road waiting my turn and a blazing firestorm was going on right beside me. I don't know how those people didn't lose their heads, but kudos to them. Their steely determination and cooperation saved thousands of lives.

[pepsilover]

I agree GB with all you said. Unfortunately, this 'one route out' business reminds me of the nightmare that is Glenrosa. During the fire of 2008 the evacuation was at a snail's pace and fire was blazing just blocks away. It's a weird feeling sitting in your car NOT MOVING when you know have to get the hell out of there.

[Poindexter]

Yeah I couldn't get over how patient the drivers are in some of the videos even as flames encroached on thier vehicles. I see more aggressive driving during an average commute here in Kelowna.

[Dizzy1]

I just got the call - I'm out of here.

It's been an amazing experience to say the least. Experiencing the best of people has been incredible to witness.

I wish everyone from the region the best and will continue to support anyway I can and we'll see you soon :)